Hyderabad: Citizens trying to beat the summer heat by taking a splash in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation swimming pools have been disappointed so far this year.
Seven GHMC pools — Secunderabad, Ameerpet, Amberpet, Vijayanagar Colony, Chandulal Baradari, Moghulpura and Sanathnagar — are supposed to operate from April to August.
Apart from this, the GHMC has added yet another pool to its kitty this year, the baby pool at Amberpet for kids. But even the application forms haven’t been made available to the public.
Additional commissioner of sports and coordination K. Venkata Rami Reddy had assured that the pools would open on April 1 as usual.
A GHMC sports wing official said, “They are being cleaned properly and washed and repairs have to be completed. There are many facilities to be provided because around 1,000 people swim in just the Secunderabad pool daily. It takes time.”
The delay has also been attributed to the lack of water. “The borewells at the pools have dried up. There are clear rules that water has to be changed every week,” said an official, adding, “Where will we get so much water from?”
Despite the presence of several private swimming pools across the city, citizens opt for the GHMC swimming pools as they are affordable.
While the GHMC charges Rs 500 per month, the private pools charge Rs 1,500 and above. “I waited till April 15 for GHMC to open the pools because they are affordable. I have joined a private pool,” said Amit D. of Secunderabad.
