Ranjit Thakur
JAMMU, Aug 6: The construction of Jammu’s first all-weather swimming pool at MA Stadium, initiated in 2019, continues to face delays, causing frustration among the local swimming community. Intended to be a premier facility, the project has been plagued by various issues, including financial constraints.
Sanjeev Dogra, President of the Dolphin Swimmers Club, expressed his concerns: “Before 2019, we had 400 swimmers practicing daily and an additional 100 casual swimmers. The extended delay has severely affected the training of young swimmers. We urgently need Government attention to expedite the project, as swimmers are now forced to use expensive private pools.”
Bharat Kumar Sharma, General Secretary of the J&K Swimming Association, also criticized the delay, suggesting that political interference or private interests might be impeding progress. He highlighted that the protracted construction has deprived many aspiring swimmers of essential training opportunities.
The pool is expected to feature national-standard depth and will include facilities for hosting national-level championships, a learner pool, seating tiers, and changing rooms.
In the month of February 2019, the project was shortlisted under the languishing projects by the high powered committee, framed by the then Governor of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, Satya Pal Malik and released an amount of Rs 3.50 crore.
Official sources revealed that Rs 3.50 crore was allocated under the languishing project scheme in the first phase, with Rs 3.13 crore utilized. In the second phase, Rs 4.93 crore was allocated under Capex, with Rs 3.98 crore spent. The total expenditure so far stands at Rs 7.12 crore.
The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council (JKSC) has floated a tender for Rs 3 crore in the final phase, scheduled to open on August 8. This phase aims to complete the remaining work, including installing a filtration plant, lighting, and tiling, with an expected completion date before March 31, 2025. The community eagerly awaits the project’s finalization, hopeful that it will soon serve as a valuable resource for Jammu’s swimming enthusiasts.
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