Pune Municipal Corporation Faces Criticism as Kharadi Swimming Pool Remains Shut

Kharadi, 8th January 2024: The swimming pool situated behind Rakshak Gold Society in Kharadi, Pune, built by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), has been non-operational since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility, unfortunately, continues to be inaccessible, and its condition is deteriorating due to a lack of maintenance measures. Regrettably, the municipal administration has turned a blind eye to this issue.

Residents in the vicinity find themselves compelled to seek alternatives in private swimming pools, as there is no accessible pool under the Pune Municipal Corporation. This has led to a surge in complaints regarding the financial burden on citizens forced to opt for private facilities, which are often unaffordable. Bapusaheb Pathare, former MLA of Vadgaonsheri Constituency, voiced his concern, suggesting that if a municipal swimming pool fails to serve its purpose, it seems like a waste of citizens’ money.

Expressing his discontent, Pathare demanded the immediate reopening of the swimming pool through an official statement addressed to the municipal administration. The closure of the pool has been a persistent issue, with citizens urging for its reopening for nearly two years since the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. Despite continuous efforts to engage with the Pune Municipal Corporation Building and Sports Department, the lack of coordination between the two departments remains a significant obstacle to reopening the facility.