BMC might shut down Andheri swimming pool

The municipal corporation might shut in the swimming pool at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports complex in Andheri until monsoon.

The municipal corporation might shut in the swimming pool at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports complex in Andheri until monsoon.

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On March 12, eight-year-old Kasim Siddhiqui drowned in the pool, two days after it was re-opened after renovation.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner Chandrashekhar Rokde said the pool might be shut till monsoon because of the water crisis and “other reasons” which he did not divulge.

He said private security firm, Rashtriya Lifeguard Saving Security, will inspect the pool and give suggestions on security norms that need to be followed.

“The pool will be inspected by them and they will give us necessary suggestions,” Rokde said.

The sports academy is owned by the municipal corporation, but run by a private trust.

On March 13, the municipal corporation set up a two-member committee of zonal Deputy Municipal Commissioner (DMC) Kiran Acharekar and Rokde DMC in-charge of swimming pools, to investigate into the incident.

The two-member committee was given a week’s time to

submit its report to ascertain if there was any negligence on the part of the complex management.

“Necessary action will be taken if negligence is proved,” Mayor Shraddha Jadhav said.

On compensation for the boy’s family, the mayor said: “We will take a decision soon.”