Intl standard swimming pool at Emmekere planned at Rs 5 crore
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, Jan 18, 2017: It is indeed a good omen for the city, all hurdles appear to be finally cleared for building of a swimming pool of international standards at Emmekere not too far from Mangaladevi Temple in the city. The Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports has given its administrative approval towards realising the decade-long project at an estimated cost of Rs five crore.
PWD executive engineer (Mangaluru division) Ganesh Aralikatti confirmed the development to media. He stated, that the administrative approval was received, with due signatures from authorities concerned as per the procedure between departments involved; sports and PWD in implementing the project.
He also pointed out that estimate for Rs five crore has been finalised as against the Rs 12.5 crore submitted earlier. A sum of Rs 87 lakh has been already released for the purpose, further, amount is expected to be released at the earliest to facilitate tender. As per practice, a third of the project cost has to be deposited with executing agency (PWD in this case) for inviting the bids.
According to the plan, a main pool will be built to match international standards to host national and international-level tournaments. It has been decided to add jumping pool and refreshing pool in the later stages, but it depends on the funds. The officer said, it may take another one or two years in making it a reality, as the Department wants to leave no stone unturned in ensuring a quality work.
Coastal Development Authority (CDA) secretary Pradeep D’Souza who holds additional charge as the deputy director of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports said, "Land identified at Emmekere, earlier in the jurisdiction of MCC, Mangaluru City Corporation, has been already aquired by the Department. Once the project is done, it will prove a boon for nurturing budding talent."
The Mangala swimming pool near Lady Hill Circle, owned by the MCC, is the only government-run facility in the city. With the passing years, the three decade-old pool proved too poor to cater to the growing demand, forcing the authorities concerned to plan the construction of a dedicated pool for sports enthusiasts.
In the existing scenario, swimming enthusiasts hone their skills in separate sessions at the pool, as the slots are divided between general public and women, beginning from 6 am till its closes door at 9.30 pm.
Recently St.Aloysius institutions opend a state-of-the-art pool on their premises.