Public anger boils over as Hubballi swimming pool entry fee doubled

Hubballi: A steep hike in entry charges at the public swimming pool near Basavavana has left citizens fuming. Managed by the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC), the facility reopened recently after repairs—only to shock visitors with an abrupt fee jump from ₹50 to ₹100 per hour.

The reopening had come after persistent demand from locals during the soaring summer heat. But the unexpected hike, displayed on a poster at the entrance, has caused widespread disappointment—especially among middle-class families and students who frequent the pool for affordable recreation and swim training.

Regular visitor Deepak Khatawkar criticized the move, saying, “This isn’t a private pool; it’s a public facility. Charging ₹100 per hour is unfair. ₹50 was reasonable, especially for students exploring swimming as a sport.” He added that a memorandum will soon be submitted to HDMC demanding a rollback.

City temperatures are on the rise, making swimming a vital escape. Yet, after the hike, footfall has dropped sharply—from over 500 daily visitors to under 100 in the past few days. Children who came prepared with ₹50 have been turned away, dejected.

In defense, HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Gali stated that increasing maintenance costs—including salaries for 12 staff members, water treatment, and facility upkeep—necessitated the revision.

Despite the rationale, public sentiment remains firm: a civic amenity meant for the masses should not carry a premium price tag.

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#PublicPoolRights
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#SummerReliefBlocked