Chowpati cesspool: Unfit Koh‑e‑Fiza fitness centre stuck amid old violations

Bhopal: Koh‑e‑Fiza fitness centre, often described as a “chowpati wrapped around a swimming pool” with table tennis boards, snooker tables, and open leisure space, remains in limbo. While the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) floated a fresh tender worth Rs 50.10 lakh, a new operator is yet to be appointed — leaving the facility caught between transition and turmoil.

The civic body is staring at a about Rs 93‑lakh recovery setback after the previous contractor illegally sublet the swimming pool, allowing third‑party businesses to set up inside against tender norms. These ventures, ranging from snooker tables to chowpati‑style stalls, now find themselves trapped in the loop, their investments locked inside a centre they no longer control, yet with no clarity on how or when they will be removed.

Officials acknowledge that while the tender process has moved forward, the unsorted legacy issues — unauthorized subletting, stranded assets, and pending financial recovery — remain unresolved. Observers note that the situation persisted for months without corrective action, leaving questions about oversight hanging in the air.

BMC is silent on when dues are recovered and unauthorised occupants are cleared, while the Koh‑e‑Fiza fitness centre stands as a reminder that new contracts cannot erase old complications.

Local residents wait to gain from a revitalised fitness hub — with properly managed swimming facilities, structured sports zones, and transparent access to recreational amenities. The promise is of a centre that could shift from a carnival‑like mishmash to a professionally run space, offering residents reliable fitness services and leisure options.