Swimming pool now vector breeding pool

ALAPPUZHA: The Raja Kesavadasa swimming pool complex, constructed by the Kerala Sports Council spending Rs 5 crore several years ago,  is a picture of neglect now as the council has not granted  sufficient funds for its upkeep.

“At least Rs 1core is needed to make the pool operational,” said Mr Mohankumar,  chief engineer, National Games secretariat. “We were  given just Rs 50 lakh two years ago which was not  enough to revamp the pool.

Fifty percent works remain unfinished.  We can’t do anything without an additional Rs 50 lakh. We have submitted several proposals, but the council has ignored them,”  he said.

The swimming pool, which was inaugurated by then chief minister E.K. Nayanar on  February 28, 1997, has become a vector-breeding ground.

The  pool complex was executed by the district sports council.  A few years ago, the High Court had asked  the sports council to do proper maintenance work for it. But nothing has happened so far.

Council secretary Binu George Varghese told DC that the issue would be sorted out  after discussions  with the president.

Laiju Daniel, a social activist, criticised the sports council for neglecting  the pool. This could have played a greater role in building up swimming talents in the district, he said.