PANCHKULA, June 17: Despite the fact that district health authorities have found the water of the swimming pool of Gymkhanna Club ``unfit for human consumption'' after conducting bacteriological test, the club threw open the swimming pool to its members today.The water sample from the swimming pool was taken and sent to Public Analyst Haryana for bacteriological test after the authorities received a number of complaints. On examination, it was found that the sample contained 70 coliform where it should be free from it. ``The bacteriological quality should reach as near as possible the standard prescribed for drinking water,''said H.C.Nagpal, Civil Surgeon. ``The mark should not exceed 30 coliform even if the bacteria is present in water. A swimmer is likely to take in some quantity of water while he swims. Thus, water should be clean as it can spread water-borne diseases like typhoid, viral fever, conjunctivitis,''he added.The health authorities have written to the club to properly maintain their pool. The sample for testing the quality of source of water passed the test. ``The fact that the sample of the source water passed the test, while the other samples failed the bacteriological test shows that the pool was not being kept clean and the conditions were not hygienic,''said Nagpal.However, secretary of the Gymkhana Club R. D. Garg denied that water sample failed on-the-spot chlorination test conducted by the health authorities. Also he denied that the number of swimmers were too many. Claimed he,``the maximum number of swimmers we have had this season are about 300. Also we clean the pool daily and take every step to ensure hygiene. Also chlorination is not done as it irritates the skin at times.'' However, sources point out that the number of swimmers at the pool go up to more than 1500 at times.The secretary also pointed out that the club has received no complaint so far regarding any infection contracted from the pool. ``We opened the pool today as there is no reason that we should keep it closed. We have not received any intimation from the health authorities,'' he added.
