Indian Express 01.12.2010
Civic body dithers on swimming pool safety rules
Ajay Khape Tags : corporation, swimming pool safety rules Posted: Wed Dec 01 2010, 07:12 hrs
Pune: Some incidents that led to loss of lives forced the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in 2002 to frame rules and regulations for the construction and operation of swimming pools under its jurisdiction, along with safety measures.However, these rules and regulations are yet to come into effect as the legal committee hasn’t taken a decision on it. This, in turn, has been blamed on the city improvement committee that took over seven years to approve them.
“I am aware that the proposal is pending for long, but it cannot be approved with doubts being raised on some of its clauses. Thus, I have directed the city engineer, health chief and estate officer of the PMC to be present for the meetings on December 2,” said Sulochana Tupe, chairperson of PMC’s legal committee.
She hopes the department heads clarify the doubts of the committee members so that the proposal is approved and is sent to the general body.
The proposal was first tabled in the city improvement committee in 2002 and the power to decide was given to the chairperson. Since no decision was taken for a long time, the municipal secretary in 2009 brought it to the notice of the city improvement committee. The proposal was then sent to the legal committee.
There are around 80 swimming pools owned by institutions, clubs and civic bodies in the city, which have upgraded safety measures with life guards during operations. But over 100 swimming pools in housing complexes are manned by professionals with lack of training and this is a cause for concern.
