Members of BMC-run Dadar swimming pool raise stink over fee hike, bad water quality

Speaking to The Indian Express, Jitendra Singh, a member of the Dadar pool for the last 40 years said, “In 2013, the annual membership fee was between Rs 4,000 – 4,500 whereas now, the annual fee stands at Rs. 10,610. Every year, there has been a hike of 10 per cent in the annual fee, on a compound-rate like basis. This pool is meant for recreational purposes and the civic body must not treat it like some profit centre.”

However, the civic body refuted the allegations, claiming it had taken special permission from the municipal commissioner to ensure only a 5 per cent hike was imposed on the annual fee.

Sandeep Vaishampayan, coordinator of civic theatre and pools said, “After seeking the special permissions, since last year, we have increased the membership cost by 5 per cent and we will do the same going forward. The allegations of 10 per cent hike in the annual fee is inaccurate. The costs are much cheaper compared to the privately run pools. We levy these charges to maintain the pool which involves appointment of housekeeping staff and maintenance of lighting, pumps, cleaning etc.”

Besides the rising costs, the protesters raised a stink over the bad quality of chlorine used in the pool. “The quality of chlorine used in the swimming pool is very bad and the overall quality of water is also unhygienic. Many swimmers who participate in state and national championships spend several hours in the pool practising. The bad water and chlorine quality will affect their health negatively,” added Singh.

On the allegations, Vaishampayan told The Indian Express that the civic body is slated to commence works on the repairs of three of the four pool pumps. “The water quality has been affected owing to the pump quality, which is over 15 years old. We will start work on its refurbishment tomorrow and this issue will be resolved soon.”

He added that the civic body has also issued a work order to install new pumps in the pool in the next three months.

Last year, the Dadar pool had made news after a two-feet-long baby crocodile was spotted and then rescued from the premises.