Port Blair, July 10: The Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands to consider construction of “Learners Swimming Pool” of lesser depth, adjacent to the existing swimming pool at Netaji Subhash Sports Complex, Port Blair and also at various locations in A&N Islands to encourage more and children to adopt swimming as their hobby or as sporting activity.
He informed that in the entire of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, there is only one swimming pool which is located at Netaji Subhash Sports complex (Netaji Stadium) at Port Blair and constructed way back in the year 1996 conforming to standard specifications. Though the swimming pool is suitable for conducting national and international swimming competitions but because of its depth which varies from 4 feet to 10.5 feet, it creates serious safety threat for the children of less age and height who learns swimming in the pool and many parents who are enthusiastic about sending their children to learn swimming are reluctant to do so.
Considering from professional point of view, likewise any sports in swimming also to achieve national and international competitive standard, talent hunt and subsequent scientific training and technique teaching need to commence from early childhood. As the swimming pool has a minimum depth of 4 feet, it is not suitable for imparting training to the children particularly the beginners. Hence, there exist specific requirement of having 'Learners Swimming Pool' of lesser depth varying from minimum of one feet and maximum of three and half feet, so that children from the age group of 3 to 4 years can be scientifically trained in the sports of swimming and once they acquire adequate skill they can gradually be shifted to the main swimming pool.
He further said that since ours being Island territory with sea all-around, children as such have natural inclination towards swimming and construction of 'learners swimming pool' will definitely encourage more and children to adopt swimming as their hobby or as sporting activity.
Hence, the Member of Parliament has requested the Lt. Governor to consider for constructing a 'Learners Swimming Pool' adjacent to the existing swimming pool at Netaji Subhash Stadium and sufficient fund for the purpose may be allocated during the current financial year to commence the work. He further requested that in principle approval for construction' Learners Swimming Pool' at various locations in Andaman and Nicobar Islands may also be accorded.