Hyderabad: With gyms already existing in certain wards – mostly in dilapidated conditions – the corporation has sanctioned 1,000 more gyms in its jurisdiction.
While a modern gym needs a treadmill, stationary bike and other body shaping machines, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation( GHMC), has ordered are a few sets of dumbbells and weights. Electronic machines are avoided due to excessive power consumption and maintenance issues.
Portions of the corporation’s community halls and playgrounds have been turned into gyms. At present, only the gyms at BPPG - Victory playground, Red Hills playground and Secunderabad Gurumurthy Hall are in proper condition.
Azampura corporator Amjedullah Khan said, “In the earlier council of 2002- 2007, each corporator was given Rs 2 lakh to set up a gym, the project was on paper for many years. In the last term, 2010- 2014, the budget was enhanced to Rs 2.5 lakh, but no corporator was given the money. They were instead asked to identify the equipment needed as per public demand. Out of 150 corporators, only a handful received the materials. Most of the material, which is with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation sports section, have been misplaced.”
Most gyms set up at the GHMC community halls by corporators have been converted into function halls, religious centers, party offices etc. In a few places, even the doors and windows have been stolen.
