Citizens living in and around Balkum, Thane, rejoiced after a swimming pool was inaugurated in February with much fanfare. But their joy was short-lived as the Thane Municipal Corporation shut it in three days citing a technical problem. TMC said the pool will be ready for public use in two weeks, but locals feel the delay was deliberate as politicians want it to be opened close to civic polls.

The Balkum Dharmveer Anand Dighe swimming pool was ready after a six-year-long wait.  The facility near Runwal Garden City is 50 metres long and 25 metres wide, and has a gym and restroom on its premises. Soon after its inauguration in the last week of February, the TMC said the water quality had deteriorated and that there was a leakage. It was shut for repairs, depriving children of access to the pool during their summer vacation.