Mumbai: MGMO pool in Dadar welcomes swimmers back after two months

Feeling on top of the world in the water. PIC COURTESY/HARESH BAFNA

Sunday was a successful day for the members of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Olympic (MGMO) as the pool at Veer Savarkar Marg, opposite Shivaji Park in Dadar (West), opened to the public after two months.

The mammoth facility had stayed closed because of a water shortage brought about by weak rainfall. As the monsoon gathered strength and rains picked up, lake levels rose, and finally the pool opened on Sunday.

It was the first day, the first show for delighted swimmers who came into the facility with smiles on their faces and swimming gear in hand. Some said, "We will have more swimmers in by Tuesday. Monday [today] the pool is closed, as it has always been on all Mondays."

‘I feel rejuvenated'

Priyanka Jain, a yoga teacher from Mahim, said, "I had an exhilarating swim at the pool. I am feeling rejuvenated. I still cannot believe it has finally opened. My husband was elated; he reached the pool extremely early," she laughed.

Then, there were Sameer and Bindiya Shinde, who were leaving the amenity post-swim and said, "This goes beyond swimming. This space is an opportunity to reconnect with pool friends, exchange thoughts, and have conversations. This is excellent for mental health."

Haresh Bafna, a member since 1992, encapsulated the mood of a sunny Sunday as he said, "It was a pleasant and healthy morning, MGMO family. Our pool is back in its full glory. The water is clean, the temperature soothing, and the ambience eternal. So do not miss it," concluded the Kurla resident.

Top concerns

>> The cleanliness of the water should be maintained
>> Fees should not be increased annually but every five years, as this is not entertainment but a health facility
>> There should be enough lifeguards at the pool
>> All amenities, if broken either in the pool area or within the complex, must be repaired quickly
>> The pool must remain an iconic Dadar landmark and not become unaffordable because of membership fee hikes

Official speak

Authorities stated that they have been ensuring cleaning and maintaining the facility through closure, and they have had the water tested through a BMC-accredited lab. They added that members will get an extension for the days that have been missed because of closure, for which they will have to fill out an online form soon.