Power line scares swimmers
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 15 2013:
Due to looming threat from a high-tension (HT) power-line threaded right on top of the recently developed swimming pool of Standard College, Kongba college as well as local swimming enthusiasts are reluctant to take a dive under cloudy conditions for they fear lighting could snap the power-line and fall into the pool.
Interacting with some newspersons at Standard College campus today, Swimming Pool Management Committee chairman N Jibanta said apprehension and anxiety felt by the young swimmers had already been highlighted to the Chief Engineer (Electricity) by the College Principal Dr S Ibomcha through a formal memorandum.
The Principal's intimation for relocating the power-line remains unfulfilled thereby leading to the swimming pool remaining unused and many prospective and talented swimmers unable to develop themselves into medal winning athletes, regretted the chairman who fervently reiterated the proposal the department concerned initiate necessary measures to ensure that sports facility contribute towards development of sports in Manipur.
One of 11 projects sanctioned by the university Grants Committee the Standard College swimming pool was inaugurated on February 4 this year and the Committee, comprising of College and local representatives reportedly formed for holistic usage of the facility.
According to Jibanta an agreement was reached with the Standard College authority to facilitate the local youngsters hone their swimming skill at the facility under a three year lease deal.
Even though the agreement was arrived at under the expectation that the facility could produce quality aquatic players the power-line factor is likely to ruin the prospect as swimmers prefer safety of their homes rather than risk and swim under cloudy conditions or during rainfall.
Even under a clear sky swimming at the pool is not the safest choice as danger of the power-line accidentally snapping is a strong possibility.