Summer rush: Ahmedabad civic pools draw 15,000 daily; Vadodara team studies civic facilities
Ahmedabad, May 6 (IANS) More than 15,000 people are using Ahmedabad’s municipal swimming pools each day as the city responds to intense summer heat, with authorities introducing additional batches and basic health measures to manage the seasonal surge.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) said 21 of its swimming pools are currently operational across the city, with usage rising sharply during the school holidays.
To accommodate demand, the civic body has started extra batches so that more residents can access the facilities.
According to the AMC, advanced batches have been introduced at all pools to support children preparing for competitive swimming.
Separate evening sessions are being conducted for learners aged above 12 between 7:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., followed by a special batch for experienced swimmers from 8:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In response to the heat, oral rehydration solution (ORS) has been made available at pool premises for all users, including children, women and men.
The corporation said the measure aims to address the risk of dehydration during peak summer conditions.
Officials added that regular cleaning and supervision are being carried out to maintain hygiene standards.
Water quality is monitored daily, with pH and chlorine levels checked to ensure safety. The AMC has also provided specific arrangements for women and children, including a morning mixed batch for women.
Concessions are being offered to municipal employees, women, school and college students, and retired coaches associated with the pool department, while district-level champions are issued C-cards.
The corporation said awareness campaigns are being conducted on social media to discourage water wastage.
During the season, each batch is attended by more than 100 participants on average, with coaching staff also performing lifeguard duties.
Looking ahead, the AMC said it plans to develop new swimming pools and recreation centres in the city, keeping the Commonwealth Games 2030 in view.
It added that efforts are being made to provide high-quality coaching to advanced swimmers so they can compete at the national level and win medals.
Work to introduce an online registration system is also underway.
In a related development, officials from the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) visited the AMC’s departments to study the management and operational systems of civic facilities, including swimming pools, sports complexes, libraries and auditoriums.
During the visit, the AMC facilitated a detailed tour of departments across all seven zones.
The visiting team toured key facilities such as Kankaria Swimming Pool, Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, sports complexes in Vastral and Maninagar areas, the sports centre located under the Ranip underbridge, M.J. Library and the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Auditorium.
AMC officials and staff provided detailed briefings on operations and management practices during the visit, following which the VMC expressed appreciation and gratitude for the information shared.
–IANS
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