BMC to Reopen Municipal Swimming Pools in Mumbai From August 16
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to resume municipal swimming pool facilities across Mumbai starting Sunday, August 16. The civic administration issued directives to restore water connections, test water quality, and deploy full-time safety personnel to ensure the facilities are ready for public use.
The decision to resume water supply to the city's municipal pools was taken after evaluating the improved water stocks in the seven lakes supplying Mumbai. As of 6 a.m. on Wednesday, the city's reservoirs held a combined usable water stock of 12,95,274 million litres, which stands at 89.49 percent of their total useful capacity of 14,47,363 million litres.
To ensure public health and safety before opening, the BMC directed that water samples from each pool be tested at a municipal laboratory. Facilities must secure an official certificate from an analyst confirming that the water is technically fit for swimming. Additionally, the civic body instructed that swimming instructors-cum-lifeguards must be on full-time duty across all municipal locations.
All preparatory work, water restoration, and lab testing must be fully completed by Saturday, August 15. Following the completion of these requirements, municipal swimming pools will officially reopen on August 16, offering access during either morning or evening operational sessions.
However, civic authorities confirmed that no decision has yet been made regarding the withdrawal of the 10 percent citywide water cut that has been in place since May. The ongoing water cut remains active while officials continue to monitor long-term supply needs.
A BMC official stated that while resuming water supply to swimming pools will provide relief to citizens who use them, prudent water usage remains essential when considering the long-term planning of available water stock. The official added that further decisions regarding the withdrawal of the 10 percent water cut will be taken based on continuous reviews of upcoming rainfall, water stock status, and weather forecasts.
