Hedua drowning: Infrastructure of pool not up to the mark, says KMC

The infrastructure of Azad Hind Bagh Mahila Sangha, where a novice swimmer died last week is not adequate and up to the mark, according to an investigation carried out by a team set up by Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC).

Sangeeta Das, a 2nd year student of Biharilal College died while taking lessons in swimming last week. Neither the trainer nor the authorities of the club were aware that Sangeeta did not come to the changing room after the swimming class was over. Informed by her aunt, they conducted a search and found her body floating in one corner of the pool.

The KMC team comprises experts, swimmers and its officials. The team visited all the swimming polls in the city where lessons are given. During investigation they found that there were no proper trainers in the club and the numbers of lifebelts were also inadequate. The recommended depth of water was also not maintained. There is eight feet water from where her body was found.

Earlier, local people had alleged that to save money the authorities did not engage trained teachers. The team members said that many students were found to be suffering from water phobia and expert swimmers are required to dispel the fear and teach them how to float. Also, many students have hyper tension and epilepsy and so before giving admission, their medical reports need to be examined. 

The team is now examining whether proper norms were followed or not. The team will submit its report to KMC within a week and the civic authorities will do the needful only after getting the report.