Yerawada Swimming Pool Incident : MLC Amit Gorkhe Demands High-Level Probe
- Seeks strict action against those responsible; urges CM Fadnavis and Dy CM Pawar to intervene
PUNE : MLC Amit Gorkhe has demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident at the government swimming pool in the Yerawada Regional Sports Complex, where around 10 children reportedly suffered vomiting, nausea and discomfort while swimming on September 30.
Gorkhe has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar to order an immediate investigation into the incident and determine whether negligence or lapses in safety protocols contributed to the episode.
Earlier complaint under scrutiny
Gorkhe said he had already approached the Pune Divisional Commissioner on July 27, raising concerns regarding administrative functioning and alleged lapses at the sports complex. He questioned what action was taken on the issues brought to the administration’s notice and sought an independent assessment of the subsequent measures.
He has demanded a detailed investigation into the chlorine and other chemical levels in the swimming pool, the dosing system, storage and handling of chemicals, regular laboratory testing of water, inspection reports, logbooks, availability of trained staff and lifeguards, emergency medical facilities and safety protocols.
Gorkhe has also called for water samples from the pool to be collected and tested by an independent laboratory. He said the findings of the laboratory examination should be made public at the earliest.
Accountability must be fixed
The MLC has demanded that responsibility be fixed if any negligence, dereliction of duty or violation of prescribed safety norms is established at the deputy director or any other administrative level.
He said the September 30 incident should not be treated as an isolated occurrence and that the entire safety and administrative system at the sports complex should undergo a comprehensive audit.
Gorkhe also pointed out that a person had died in an earlier incident at the same swimming pool, stressing the need for stringent safety measures for students and citizens who use the facility.
He said no compromise should be made with the safety of visitors at government swimming facilities and that appropriate administrative and legal action should follow if lapses are established.
“Students and citizens visit the government swimming pool in large numbers, and their safety cannot be compromised. The September 30 incident must be thoroughly investigated, including the earlier complaints raised with authorities. If negligence or violations are found, responsibility must be fixed and strict action taken against those responsible,”
- Amit Gorkhe, MLC
