Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 4: The government, through the Mangaluru Smart City project, has constructed the Emmekere swimming pool with FINA Standard facilities to provide world-class amenities for talented swimmers from Dakshina Kannada. This international-level pool is among the top 10 such facilities in the country, which is a matter of pride for the district, said Naveen Kumar at a press conference.
The Mangaluru Smart City project has entrusted the management of this high-quality swimming pool to a reputed organization. Committees have been formed to oversee its operations, and tenders have been invited in multiple phases based on expert recommendations. Qualified instructors have also been appointed.
As part of the tender process, we participated through an open bid, agreeing to a security deposit of Rs 50 lac and a monthly payment of Rs 2,61,101. For the past three months, operations have been running smoothly without any issues, he said.
To maintain water quality, the pH level is kept between 7.25 and 7.50, and officials from both the DYES and Smart City regularly conduct inspections. Currently, the pool operates from 5:30 am to 9:45 pm. From 10 am to 3 pm, the pool is reserved for maintenance and swimming training for schoolchildren, while Mondays are designated as the weekly holiday. Access to the pool is strictly prohibited in the absence of lifeguards.
Highly trained professionals, including ASCA, NIS, Austswim, KSA, and SFI-certified coaches and lifeguards, manage the facility. To ensure cleanliness, housekeeping staff, security personnel, pool maintenance staff, supervisors, and a manager are actively engaged. The total cost of operations, including salaries, chemicals, and electricity bills, exceeds Rs 11 lac per month, making it an expensive facility to maintain, he explained.
Details of the fee structure have been discussed with officials and displayed on an information board. Additionally, discounted rates are offered to medal-winning swimmers who have excelled at the national and international levels. The pool has already hosted two national-level competitions, with facilities like doping tests, sports science, first aid, and lifeguard training available.
Several swimmers previously had to travel to Bengaluru and other cities, spending between Rs 50,000 and Rs 70,000 for training. To address this need, we have invested around Rs 2 lac to appoint national and international-level trainers, ensuring high-quality training in Mangaluru itself. Swimmers from across Dakshina Kannada can now freely utilize this facility, he added.
He expressed disappointment over misleading reports in some newspapers due to a lack of proper information. Over the past three months, nearly 3,000 individuals have benefited from the facility, and plans are in place to introduce further improvements for swimmers. Every effort is being made to develop the facility in alignment with the Smart City's original vision, he said.
Dr Nagendra Nayak, Lokaraj Vithal, Roopa Prabhu, Shirley Rego, and Madhuraj were present at the press conference.