Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has thrown open the gates to its network of swimming pools and sports complexes, offering residents a vital outlet for recreation and fitness during the sweltering summer.
This initiative marks a broader effort to enhance inclusive urban health infrastructure and support climate resilience through accessible public sports facilities. The DDA, which operates 12 major sports complexes across the city, has resumed public access to its seasonal swimming pools after completing all mandatory permissions and clearances. These annual renewals involve inspections from multiple government bodies and certifications from accredited water testing laboratories to ensure public safety and hygiene standards are met.
According to DDA officials, the seasonal pools will operate until the end of September. These pools are part of sports hubs located in areas such as Saket, Yamuna Vihar, Jasola, Dwarka Sector 11, Rohini, Hari Nagar, and the iconic Major Dhyan Chand Sports Complex, among others. Each facility has been prepared to accommodate the high footfall expected during the summer season, especially from children and working professionals seeking recreation amid extreme heat. In addition to these seasonal offerings, the DDA also operates all-weather swimming pools—most notably at the Siri Fort Sports Complex. These pools function for ten months each year, from 1 February to 30 November. From April through September, the pool operates as a standard facility, while during the colder months, it is equipped with heating systems to ensure continued usability. The Siri Fort pool is also fitted with air-conditioned changing rooms and a dedicated toddlers’ pool, ensuring that amenities cater to all age groups.
Officials confirmed that the Siri Fort facility underwent comprehensive renovations in 2023—its first in over a decade—further enhancing accessibility, comfort, and energy efficiency. These upgrades are aligned with DDA’s larger vision to make Delhi’s sports infrastructure eco-friendly, sustainable, and inclusive, especially in the face of rising climate pressures. Daily pool sessions have been scheduled to optimise public convenience, with slots running from 6 AM to 12 PM in the morning and from 3 PM to 9 PM in the evening. These extended timings are designed to cater to a wide demographic, including office-goers, students, homemakers, and senior citizens.
The DDA currently charges Rs 1,230 per month as tuition fees for swimming training. While the pricing model remains affordable for the general public, a uniform policy has been introduced to streamline coaching charges—non-members at DDA sports complexes will now pay 25% more than members across all facilities. This structure encourages more citizens to become long-term members while ensuring equity in service delivery. This summer, the DDA is also launching a series of sports coaching camps in tandem with pool openings. These camps cover a broad spectrum of disciplines—from tennis and badminton to basketball and athletics—furthering the authority’s goal of nurturing grassroots-level sports talent while offering safe and constructive activities for children during school holidays.
Urban planning experts have welcomed this move as a model for proactive, climate-responsive governance. Given the record-breaking summer temperatures India is currently experiencing, the role of public spaces that provide physical relief and psychological wellbeing is more important than ever. Making such infrastructure universally accessible also helps bridge the urban wellness divide, especially in a city marked by socio-economic disparities. Officials emphasised that these swimming pools and summer camps are not merely recreational amenities but are part of a long-term vision to make Delhi a healthier and more liveable city. “In high-density urban environments, climate-adaptive public infrastructure such as swimming pools serves as both a cooling zone and a space for social integration. When accessible to all, it enhances public health, promotes active lifestyles, and reduces inequality,” one official noted.
Moreover, the revival of these pools comes with environmental considerations. Most DDA facilities now implement water recycling mechanisms, periodic water quality checks, and responsible energy use in pool operations, including the use of solar heating in select centres. While these efforts are still evolving, they reflect a growing commitment towards reducing the carbon footprint of municipal recreational infrastructure. This push towards equitable and eco-conscious infrastructure comes at a crucial juncture when cities are expected to lead the way in combating climate extremes. Swimming pools in particular, while traditionally seen as luxury amenities, are now increasingly being reimagined as community assets—especially in regions prone to severe heatwaves. The World Health Organisation has also highlighted the role of public pools in mitigating urban heat stress and promoting mental wellness.
While the DDA’s move has largely been lauded by urban planners and citizen groups, some have called for further decentralisation of such services. Experts have suggested that in future summers, Delhi’s municipal wards should consider establishing mobile or pop-up pools in under-served neighbourhoods or integrating more compact cooling infrastructure within local parks. Nevertheless, the reopening of DDA pools and the introduction of summer sports camps mark a timely and people-centric intervention. It underscores the growing need for inclusive, climate-adaptive urban planning in India’s cities—where access to leisure and fitness is not a privilege but a public right. As the capital continues to grapple with rising mercury levels, such initiatives are not just welcome—they are essential for the health and harmony of its citizens.
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