Mysuru: Nearly six months after inauguration of the international standard swimming pool at Chamundi Vihar Stadium by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the facility will now be open for public from February 15.
Though Deputy Commissioner D Randeep called upon the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports Authorities to declare open the facility for the public from January first week, it was delayed for reasons best known to the authorities. Based on his direction, the authorities took steps including finalising the fee structure and the required staff members including trainers and life guards for utilising the pool.
The international standard swimming pool which is constructed at a cost of Rs 4.97 Crore includes a main pool of 50 mtr x25 mtrs besides warm pool and a children’s pool. This swimming pool will be only the third swimming pool for general public in Mysuru. The other pools are the University of Mysore Swimming Pool in Saraswathipuram and J P Nagar pool which a is joint venture between the Mysuru City Corporation and a private partner.
Speaking to Newskarnataka, Suresh, Assistant Director, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports said, “Soon after the inauguration of swimming pool we couldn’t provide it to the public because of various reasons including some technical ones. Now everything has been set right and even coaches and lifeguards have been appointed. The pool is now ready for public utility.” He also mentioned that swimming summer camp will also be conducted from this year.
However, the public swimming pool at Chamundi Vihar Stadium will give residents of east and north Mysuru access to it and will reduce the burden on the University of Mysore swimming pool where most of the public used to go for swimming. To conserve water, rainwater and roof water harvesting facilities have also been provided. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who had sanctioned this when he was deputy chief minister 13 years ago inaugurated the Swimming Pool at Chamundi Vihar stadium premise on July 15, 2017.
Tentative fee structure
“The tentative fee structure to make use of the facility per day is; Rs 5000 for government school and Rs 10,000 for private school; Rs 8000 for government organisations while Rs 15,000 for private firms. If students want to take up on monthly basis, the fee will be Rs 1500 per month and for others Rs 2250. The registration fee for individuals will be Rs 250. The facility will be available from 6 AM to 9 AM and from 4.30 PM to 6.30 PM. Exclusive batch for women is from 3 PM to 4 PM”, added Suresh.
UoM swimming pool to be reopened by the end of this month
The University of Mysore Swimming Pool, the oldest and most sought after public swimming pool in Mysuru which was closed for renovation in March 2017 is expected to be functional by the end of this month. University has spent nearly Rs 2 Crore for its renovation. The renovation includes a seating capacity of more than 500 spectators.
