Mumbai: Catholic Swimkhana in deep waters

Drowning times at Catholic Gymkhana

The sea is opposite the Catholic Gymkhana (CG) at Marine Drive, but for a minute you may be mistaken in thinking that the sea is on the Gymkhana side itself. The Gymkhana resembles a sea or swimming pool, with rainwater flooding the maidan and the premises.

A recent statement from honorary general secretary Norbert Pereira to the club's member base outlines the problem and says the seriousness warrants temporary closure or suspension of services.

Some excerpts from the communication read: "The Catholic Gymkhana continues to be waterlogged. This problem has been caused due to drainage being inadvertently blocked." Citing that the BMC was working on it and the club is also trying to resolve the situation, the communication said, "facilities have shut down till further notice to ensure no life is at risk due to short circuit."

President Vernon Miranda said, "we were constrained to take this decision on Wednesday to avoid any accident to any member or guest." The big concern according to the president is, "a BEST substation installed in the Gymkhana premises. With the flood water level rising to above two ft in height we had to take measures to shut down the electricity main lines. The flood water entered the Gymkhana hall, office and lift well."

Miranda claimed that "continuous torrential rains are lashing the city and despite measures implemented, like commissioning four pumps to pump out the water, levels would not recede as the stormwater drains which drains out the rainwater into the main line appears to be blocked."

The president stressed the principle of abundant caution stating that the Gymkhana has placed an "electrician, a custodian and a team of workers on duty to attend to any emergency situation at night. This is to protect the Gymkhana premises from any adverse impact that could arise due to the flood levels rising in the Gymkhana."
A macro view will show, "all the gymkhanas on Marine Drive are affected due to the flooding. Our neighbour, the Police Gymkhana is also flooded despite efforts to pump out the water," said Miranda. The president ended by saying that they need solutions on an emergency basis.

Former corporator Makarand Narvekar visited the Gymkhana on Thursday morning and said, "a meeting of different agencies commenced after my visit. There is assurance that work will begin on removing blockages causing the flooding. We need to give those working a day or two."