HUBBALLI: HDMC Commissioner Siddalingayya Hiremath lodging complaints against an advocate and a city-based businessman who went to his house to complain against the closure of a HDMC swimming pool has raked up a controversy. The commissioner filed the complaint on Sunday alleging that they entered his official residence illegally. This has has irked civic activists in the twin cities. The issue has now diverted attention from the pathetic condition of the swimming pool and has turned into a war between advocates and the commissioner.
The Hubballi Bar Association has called for a general body meeting on Tuesday to discuss the future course of action to be taken against the KAS officer. It’s also learnt that the advocates are planning to refrain from appearing for the commissioner when the case will come up for hearing.
On Sunday, swimming enthusiasts who went to submit a plea regarding closure of the pool said the pool is not maintained well. They alleged it leaks and its water smells bad as the filtering system is not functioning properly. For the last few days, life guards have not turned up for duty, they alleged.
“This is the only swimming pool run by HDMC and it lacks facilities. On Sunday, the gates of the pool were closed and a notice was affixed at the gate that the pool is closed from November 5 to 9 without mentioning any reason,” said advocate Santosh Nargund.
Nargund and other 50 people went to the commissioner’s official residence to know the reason for the closure of the pool. According to Nargund, only he and his friend was allowed to meet the commissioner. “The commissioner was in no mood to listen to our pleas. Instead of listening, he asked how we entered the premises,” he said.Shocked by his response, Nargund tried to explain the matter, but in vain. He added that he spent eight hours in a police station for no fault of his. “We pay `20 every day to use the pool and we are concerned about its upkeep,” he added.
No salary for lifeguards
It’s said that lifeguards have remained absent from their work due to non-payment of salary. The corporation has, however, said the pool is closed for maintenance.