Kolkata: The public swimming pool inside Rabindra Sarobar, which was closed since June 15 when a 16-year-old accidentally drowned while swimming, is likely to reopen on Aug 1. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is implementing all the required measures according to the SOP established for using the pool for swimming.
"The cleaning drive of the pool is complete, and CCTVs have been installed. All the other requirements are being addressed. The target has been set to reopen the public swimming pool on Aug 1," a KMDA official said.
Officials said four CCTVs have been installed for continuous monitoring. "The clubs will provide two lifeguards as immediate measure to keep watch over the pool when swimming activities take place in the morning. KMDA authorities will decide whether permanent lifesavers could be engaged from their end," said an official.
The SOP says a police officer will be deployed to keep watch during swimming hours. "A maintenance responsibility will be issued by KMDA regarding how the lifesavers and police will function," said an official.
Markers are being put up to demarcate barriers surrounding the pool beyond which swimmers will be urged not to venture. "Disclaimers will be put up stating that only swimmers should enter the pool. Those who come will be asked whether they know how to swim. The lifesavers will be able to identify who knows how to swim and who does not," said an official.
The pool will be open from 6 am to 10 am in summer and from 7 am to 11 am in winter. Entry will be allowed until 30 minutes before closing time, officials added.
Following the drowning incident, Lake regulars and environmentalists raised concerns about the safety of using the pool for swimming, saying that the water body was poorly maintained and filled with weeds, slime, and hyacinth. The authorities conducted a thorough cleaning drive of the main pool area, as well as its surrounding water body, to remove overgrown weeds and plants. "There needs to be proper safety measures, and the authorities must ensure the SOP is strictly followed. Those who come to swim should provide their names, contact numbers, and addresses in an attendance register," said Lake regular and environmentalist Somendra Mohan Ghosh.