Noida: Eight swimming pools and gyms in Noida were ordered to suspend operations after district inspections found they were running without meeting mandatory safety and regulatory norms. Officials said notices were issued to the operators of all eight facilities, asking them to fix the deficiencies and submit proof of compliance before reopening. The centres will remain shut until the inspection committee verifies that all prescribed standards were met.According to officials, the action is part of an ongoing district-wide inspection drive being carried out by a technical committee constituted to monitor compliance at fitness centres and swimming facilities. A total of 30 gyms and swimming pools have been inspected so far.District sports officer Dr Parwez Ali said the facilities sent notices include three pools at schools, one at a private club and four gyms at residential societies. “The notices were issued directing them to address deficiencies and submit proof of compliance before reopening. Operations at these centres will remain suspended until the committee verifies that all prescribed standards were met,” said the officer.The campaign aims to ensure that public-use fitness and recreation facilities maintain basic safety infrastructure, documentation and trained personnel, officials said.Currently, NOCs are being issued for swimming pools and gyms for the current financial year by the sports department at a registration fee of Rs 20,000. So far, NOCs have been issued for 18 gyms and around 198 swimming pools, of which 148 are of residential societies.For swimming pools, authorities said operators must possess safety certification, a disaster management plan, CCTV coverage, trained male and female lifeguards, fire safety clearance, water treatment documentation, laboratory reports on pH levels and emergency equipment such as oxygen cylinders, stretchers, life jackets and wheelchairs. Pools are also required to display contact details of the nearest hospital and police station, maintain visitor registers, ensure non-slip deck tiles and prominently mark water depth.For gyms, mandatory requirements include CCTV surveillance, fire safety certification, separate changing rooms for men and women, qualified trainers, visitor registers, emergency response plans and medical emergency equipment. Operators are also required to submit ownership documents and a list of installed equipment. Officials said gyms are prohibited from selling medicines, supplements or protein products within their premises.District Sports Department officials said periodic surprise inspections will continue and legal action may be initiated against facilities found violating prescribed norms in future inspections.
