Srinagar Lacks Public Swimming Pools

By Mohamad Yousuf

This is most unfortunate that we do not have any public swimming pool in Srinagar. The need to have one in the town is badly felt by We the Srinagarites for long but no one comes to our help.

Surprisingly almost in every tehsil of Punjab and other neighboring states they have a swimming pool of international standard but alas! We alone lack this facility. When we talk of civic hygiene and health we say it is the responsibility of Srinagar Municipal Corporation. If so, why do they lag behind in creating infrastructure that is essential for health care of citizens? In other states one could find scores of Swimming pools owned by the local Municipal Corporations which not only help to inculcate a spirit of competition among youth or maintain health but it also generates revenue for them. It is in fact social responsibility of SMC to arrange construction of at least one Swimming Pool in the city. The duty of SMC Health Officer should not only to take care of civic hygiene but should create all such avenues which are useful for maintaining civic health like pools, gyms and fitness parks etc.

Swimming is not only one of the oldest sports in the world but most early civilizations regarded it as a military skill. In ancient days many civilizations included it in the military training of young soldiers. It is an important source for lifesaving as well. It is perhaps why Islam considered learning swimming vital. Not only military aspect but the swimming is the basis for all sports and conditioning ones health. It develops strength, endurance, flexibility, courage, coordination, confidence, patience and of course it tones us up physically. Swimming is the safest, least painful journey to fitness and hence another ticket to mental and emotional stability.

Some time ago people in Srinagar were learning swimming in open lakes, rivers and ponds but due to increasing pollution in these water bodies’ people do not allow their children to learn swimming in these vulnerable water bodies. It is sure that a drop of polluted water, swallowed by a child, would cost heavy toll to his parent on his treatment. We appeal the SMC to take up the matter with Union Ministry of Human Resource Development for funding the project on missionary basis. The SDA should also extend help to SMC in its endeavor. It is regrettable that nearly 90% of children of this civilized nation do not know swimming.

The article was published in Daily Greater Kashmir on 24th June 2010