THE Kamgar Kalyan Mandal’s swimming pool at the Kamgar Kalyan Bhavan in Raghuji Nagar, Nagpur was expected to reopen during early summer. But for the reasons best ‘unknown’ to those in knowhow of the things, the pool is still high and dry! The popular water-sport venue in south Nagpur, which once produced national and international talents and served as a powerhouse of aquatic excellence, has been shut for the past five years since the COVID-19 pandemic. The pool, that also has diving facility, was slated for revival with repair works tenders floated and March 12, 2026 being the deadline of its submission. Work orders were reportedly in the pipeline to restore the pool to its original condition and make it operational. It has been reliably learnt that the above mentioned tender did not materialise and thus the much-anticipated reopening has hit a fresh roadblock. Speaking to ‘The Hitavada’, Kamgar Kalyan Superintendent Kishor Meshram confirmed that the Kamgar Kalyan swimming pool “is not yet ready for use”. He stated that the last tender process was cancelled. Any of the top authorities did not disclose any specific reasons for cancellation of the tender. “It is all controlled by the governing body located in Mumbai,” Meshram said, adding, “A new tender will be floated soon for repairs post which the facility will reopen.” Director of the Centre Sachin Wanjari also refused to give any proper explanation about reopening of the pool.

 

“We do not have any information to share as of moment but work for the restoration is in progress,” he said. The delay has come at a time when the city is reeling under severe heat wave. Residents, especially children and swimming enthusiasts, are eagerly awaiting for the pool’s reopening as a much-needed relief in summer season. The entire pool was earlier drained and kept non-functional due to concerns over mosquito breeding and water stagnation during the pandemic years, with officials stressing the need to safeguard public health. Despite repeated queries, pool officials have not provided any exact or detailed reasons for the continued closure, leaving swimmers and local families frustrated. The Kamgar Kalyan Mandal Head Office at Prabodhan Bhawan and the Assistant Welfare Commissioner had earlier indicated that repair work, including flooring and structural fixes would resume at the earliest. However, the latest update from Superintendent Meshram suggests that bureaucratic hurdles at the Mumbai-level governing body are holding up the process. Locals hope that the new tender is finalised quickly so that the pool can once again become a hub for swimming. Until then, the Kamgar Kalyan pool remains a symbol of unfulfilled promises amid the