Ludhiana: A scorching early-season heatwave has left local residents with nowhere to dive, as the city’s landmark Olympic-size swimming pool remains closed due to bureaucratic delays and a failed tendering process.Despite soaring temperatures, the municipal corporation’s (MC) 50-m pool near Rakh Bagh — the city’s largest facility — is unlikely to open until mid-May. While traditionally the pool welcomes swimmers by late April, authorities have yet to begin the basic cleaning and filling required for the season.Municipal officials admitted that the delay stems from a struggle to find contractors. Sub-divisional officer Arjun Sikka noted that despite floating tenders earlier than usual, the initial rounds had failed to attract bidders. “We are going to open the financial bid shortly,” Sikka said. “We are hopeful that cleaning will start from Monday.”‘Eleventh Hour’ ManagementThe delay has sparked frustration among locals who rely on the facility for both recreation and health. Maya Nagar resident Kamal Sharma accused the council of habitual negligence. “The municipal authorities should have completed these formalities before the summer season, but they are experts in doing work at the eleventh hour,” Sharma said.Beyond leisure, the pool serves a critical role in the community. Local athletes and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel use it for skill development, while residents like Harish Malhotra highlight the facility as a vital hub for cardiovascular health, stress reduction, and joint-friendly exercise. The MC pool remains the most cost-effective option in the city, offering seasonal and lifetime memberships that undercut private competitors.All-Weather Facility Sitting IdleThe current crisis is compounded by the “all-weather” pool project, which has reportedly been ready for a year but has never opened. Officials have failed to secure a contractor for its operation and maintenance, leaving the much-hyped infrastructure to gather dust rather than swimmers. Current projections suggest the main pool may not be operational until May 10, leaving residents to face the brunt of the Indian summer without relief. MSID:: 130370105 413 |
