Demolition of swimming pool complex in Kalinga Stadium begins

Bhubaneswar: Despite public outcry, the state government finally has begun the demolition of the lone swimming pool complex in the state at Kalinga Stadium from today.

In the initial phase, the boundary walls adjacent to the pool are being demolished and subsequently the entire complex which comprises swimming pool, diving pool, spectator gallery on the northern side and the western portion of the pool will be brought down to make way for construction of additional galleries for the adjacent hockey stadium ahead of the men's hockey World Cup- 2018.

Notably, the swimming pool with world class infrastructure was developed in 2004 with an investment of around Rs 8 crore. Later another diving pool was also constructed in 2008 in which the state government had spent nearly Rs 4 crore. Hundreds of swimmers use the pool for practice and fitness every day. The pool also caters to the needs of other professional swimmers like Pratyasha Ray.

The move to bring down the complex comes after the government’s decision to renovate the hockey stadium complex in view of the need of extra galleries required for the upcoming 2018 men’s Hockey World Cup. The sports department is aiming to double the capacity of the hockey stadium situated nearby the pool by building additional galleries in north and south ends. At present, the existing two galleries in east and west side of the hockey stadium are able to accommodate 10,000 spectators.

Meanwhile the demolition of the pool has raised concerns for the future of more than 200 athletes including professional swimmers of national and international repute.

Speaking to media, swimmer Pratyasha Ray said “I have been forced to practice at a swimming pool in a private educational institute after the Biju Patnaik pool complex was closed down for an indefinite period. Since I am presently preparing for national championships if the government does not make any alternative arrangements soon then it would badly affect my preparations."

On the other hand, the sports department has assured that a new pool complex will be ready by March next year and then swimmers will be able to return to training at the stadium.