Urban News

Panchkula residents will no longer have to wait for the summer to enjoy a swim as the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) has planned to come up two all-weather swimming pools, a first not only for Panchkula but for the state, next year.

An adult (30x70 feet) and 20x30 feet children’s pool will be constructed at the recreational park in Sector 1, Mansa Devi Complex.

Other than usual features such as glazed tiles and a water filter for purification, a unique feature of the indoor pools is that the water would be heated using solar energy with electricity as a backup.

“In order to conserve energy, we will be installing solar panels on the building roof to heat the water. A provision to use electricity as well, particularly during monsoon or winter season when there is fog, will also be there but its use will be limited as far as possible,” said a senior HUDA official.

Officers add that if the all-weather pools become a success in the township, HUDA would contemplate coming up with more such projects in other cities like Gurgaon. “We have finalised the blueprint and the finances too have been approved. The construction will start shortly and we hope residents can enjoy a splash by next summer,” said the official. At present, Panchkula has three swimming pools, none of which is all-weather. A spa and jacuzzi will also be set up in the vicinity of the pool, along with a squash court and gymnasium. Till now, people had to shell out exorbitant amounts for spas in private clubs and saloons and the Golf Club in Sector 3 has only one squash court.