*Bobbin wound pressure sand filter in 1.77 crore project
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, July 18: After a long gap of around four years, the swimmers of Jammu City and adjoining areas will enjoy the sport in standard facilities as the Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture and Youth Services and Sports, Raman Bhalla inaugurated the Rs 1.77 crore swimming pool at M A Stadium, here today.
MLA Ashwani Sharma and Secretary Sports Council, Dalip Thusoo, besides large number of officers and officials were present on the occasion.
The swimming pool has been constructed in 49.80 m X 19.80 m in 8 lanes, with 2.43 m deep end depth and 1.44 m shallow end depth in rectangular shape, having the volume of 1907000 litres.
Replying to a question as to why the shallow end depth of the pool is a bit more than the required depth for the beginners, the Minister said that for the learners a mini swimming pool will be established soon, adding that the changing rooms will also be renovated and established at an earliest.
The swimming pool can boast of having standard Filtration System in Bobbin Wound Pressure Sand Filter, which will make the pool safe and hygienic for the swimmers.
Addressing a large gathering after dedicating the swimming pool, the Minister said Government has decided to modernize Indoor as well as Outdoor Stadia in Srinagar and Jammu by renovating and reconstructing the sports infrastructure in a phased manner, adding that massive sports infrastructure has been created across the State over the past five and half years to revive the sports culture in every corner of the State to provide talented youth an opportunity to refine their skills.
Mr Bhalla said there was no dearth in talent in the State and only need was to engage youth in the sports and provide them an opportunity to exhibit their hidden talent.
The Minister asked the officers to seek cooperation of the education and other departments, besides local sports clubs to organize sports events as it would help to promote sports culture in particular areas.
Mr Bhalla said the Government has started several mega projects to strengthen and upgrade sports infrastructure, adding that crores of rupees has been earmarked for construction of latest technique Stadiums in tehsil and district levels so that sports lovers could get adequate opportunity to prepare for national and international competitions.
He said Government has launched several schemes to provide enough opportunities to the sportsmen to channelize their energies. He urged the younger generation to participate in co-curricular activities besides academic education.
Meanwhile, to a question as to why the State Sports Council develops infrastructure in Government Colleges and allied institutions, Mr Bhalla said that the Engineering Wing is with Council and there is no harm in building sports infrastructure anywhere in the State, not to talk of the Colleges only.
“It is an ecstatic moment for all of us as the swimming pool is now ready to help us hone our skills,” said a budding swimmer while talking to EXCELSIOR and expressing satisfaction over the renovation of the facility.
“Too many problems were faced by the swimmers, swimming association and the sports department in absence of the pool. It is better late than never,” said another swimmer while expressing anonymity.
Prominent among others present on the occasion were Sidharth Sharma, joint secretary State Sports Council, besides members Ranjeet Kalra and Vijay Gupta.
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