Swimming pools in the city are all set to reopen after two years. After a green signal from the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and summer approaching fast, it’s good news for many who had been eagerly looking forward to take to the waters. But, amid all this buzz among the swimmers in the city, there are also safety concerns — as Covid-19 hasn’t gone yet.
“At first, when pools closed, I thought it would be nice to get some rest. But the feeling lasted for only a month or two,” says Simran Badhwar, a first-year student of BA (Hons) Economics at Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University. The swimmer adds, “Then I wanted it (pools to reopen) so bad. I wasn’t able to sit still at home, and even gained a lot of weight. Earlier, I practised at a swimming club in RK Puram Sector 8. Now, in another week or two the pool there will reopen. So I’ll start practising again, and am thrilled for it.”
Rajesh Dahiya, who runs a swimming centre in Rohini, informs, “We’re reopening around March 20, and I’m currently supervising its maintenance. We’re getting a lot of enquiries from young people and parents, who are asking about the class timings and fee. Along with beginners, professional swimmers and youngsters preparing for any competitions can make full use of these pools.”
Sharing a similar sentiment, Chand Tokas, a swimming coach at Pooth Sports Complex in Rohini, who is getting at least 10-15 enquires over phone, every day, adds, “Log puchh rahe hain pool kab khulega. Our pool will open around March 15.” Informing about their plans for Covid-19 safety, Tokas adds, “This time we will have small batches. We will ensure people strictly keep their shoes outside, and exit only after taking a shower. We will ensure that our pool is not a medium of spreading any infection. Protocols will be followed, plus we have already deployed our sanitation workers to keep the pool safe and spotless clean.”
{{/usCountry}}Sharing a similar sentiment, Chand Tokas, a swimming coach at Pooth Sports Complex in Rohini, who is getting at least 10-15 enquires over phone, every day, adds, “Log puchh rahe hain pool kab khulega. Our pool will open around March 15.” Informing about their plans for Covid-19 safety, Tokas adds, “This time we will have small batches. We will ensure people strictly keep their shoes outside, and exit only after taking a shower. We will ensure that our pool is not a medium of spreading any infection. Protocols will be followed, plus we have already deployed our sanitation workers to keep the pool safe and spotless clean.”
{{/usCountry}}Dwarka-based swimming coach Jaibir Kadyan says, “I’m getting calls from parents and youngsters everyday. We will reopen from April 1, most likely. People are excited to come back, because garmiyan bhi aa rahi hain, so this is the right time. Par response kitna aayega, yeh toh khulne ke baad pata chalega. Our effort is to allow vaccinated people inside, and we will devise a strategy for unvaccinated children under 15 years of age.”
Author tweets @siddhijainn
Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter
Stay updated with all top Cities including, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and more across India. Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News along with Delhi Election 2025 and Delhi Election Result 2025 Live, New Delhi Election Result Live, Kalkaji Election Result Live at Hindustan Times.
Stay updated with all top Cities including, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and more across India. Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News along with Delhi Election 2025 and Delhi Election Result 2025 Live, New Delhi Election Result Live, Kalkaji Election Result Live at Hindustan Times.