Keonjhar: The Odisha government has renovated the Hadabandha pond and areas around it. The pond, a royal-era water body, has been given a facelift as part of the beautification programme undertaken in Keonjhar Old Town. A total of Rs 7 crore has been spent on giving the pond and its surrounding areas a makeover. The funds were sanctioned by the district mineral foundation (DMF). Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated this pond during his visit to this town, a month back. However, since then the pond as well as the park around it has remained closed to the public.
Moreover, developing a park has not gone down well with the residents who have criticised the authorities. Locals also pointed out that the renovation programme started December 3, 2020, and ended December 2, 2021. However, they said that work is still pending and blamed the district administration for not hauling up the company which had been entrusted with the job. Prabhanjan Patnaik, a former chairperson of Keonjhar Municipality alleged despite unfinished work, the park and pond were inaugurated only to get accolades. Others said that despite spending a huge amount, many parts of the pond still have small rocks and boulders. As a result, the much-vaunted boating facility is yet to start. Others said that earlier, people used to bathe in the pond and perform religious as well as post-death rituals.
However, the Keonjhar Municipality has banned bathing and performing rituals after a park was developed near the pond. People have condemned the move as they do not have any other options to carry out their religious rituals. Local lawyer Santosh Das said it would have been better if the authorities had set up boating facilities in the pond instead of taking up unnecessary beautification work around it. He pointed out that the former royals had created this pond for the public.
However, without making any alternative arrangements, the authorities have stopped people from using the pond. When contacted, Bishnu Prasad Acharya, chief executive of DMF and a member of the Zilla Parishad said, that the pond and the park will soon be reopened for the public. The place will be lit up properly, Acharya stated. Also, people indulging in physical activities will be allowed free entry into the park in the morning. However, for evening visitors, there will be an entry fee, informed Acharya. Keonjhar District Collector Ashish Thakare said he will order an inquiry as to why the pond has not been opened for the public.