Heritage ponds of Puri in dire straits

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Puri: Many heritage ponds in the Holy City here are lying neglected as the administration has done precious little to maintain them.
Locals said that the walls of several such ponds are in a state of disrepair while a few others are facing extensive water pollution.
Parbati Sagar, a heritage pond near Srilokanath temple, is the best example of administrative apathy in maintaining the historic water bodies, locals said.
Devotees visiting the temple used to depend on Parbati Sagar for ablutions. Many devotees take bath in the pond before offering water to the Lord in the Hindu month of Shraban. Apart from that, servitors often wash temple utensils in the pond.
The 100 ft-long wall of Parbati Sagar caved in October 20, 2017 following heavy rain. The authorities have not yet rebuilt the wall even though nine months have passed.
The precarious condition of Parbati Sagar has invited sharp reactions from many devotees who gathered at the Srilokanath temple last Monday to offer water to the Lord.
“Parbati Sagar is an integral part of the shrine. The administration has no intention to rebuild its damaged wall,” said a devotee.
The condition of Markandeya pond, another heritage water body in the city, is no different. The 50 ft-long wall of the pond had caved in July 16, 2018 during incessant rain.
“The walls of Shwetaganga and Indradyumna ponds are in decrepit condition. Nothing has been done to maintain the two tanks,” said a local.
When contacted, Sriloknath Dev Trust Board manager Apachh Parida said they are taking steps to rebuild the damaged wall of Parbati Sagar by using funds under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).
“Now, the pond is full of water. We can carry out the repair only in the summer,” he added.