Even as swimming pools were allowed to open from February 1, Mumbaikars rue that civic swimming pools are not accepting new memberships, forcing many to go to private pools where the fees are five times higher. BMC officials said new memberships will start from April 1, and cited a new fee structure as reason for delay.

There has been a demand for swimming pool membership, especially in view of the summer. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has five swimming pools in the city—at Shivaji Park, Kandivli, Dahisar, Chembur and Ghatkopar. However, the Ghatkopar one has been closed since 2016 because of a leakage. The pool will now undergo renovation and is likely to open after two or three years.