Cuttack: The 50-year-old Chandan pond located at Haripur, which has been rejuvenated at a cost of Rs 30 lakh, is all set to be inaugurated this Local Self Government Day (LSGD), August 31, Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) commissioner Bikash Chandra Mohapatra said.
According to CMC sources, cost-effective and energy-saving lights have been installed to illuminate the area surrounding the massive pond spread over an area of around 13,000 sq ft. Besides, the perimeter wall of the water body has been painted with murals in an attempt to give it a swanky look. These apart, ducks will be released into it to give it a traditional touch.
“Three dedicated bathing ghats have been built at the five-decade-old tank. High-end music systems have been installed along the ghats to ensure soothing devotional songs in the mornings and evenings. The water body will be kept open for public between 6am and 8pm,” Mohapatra said, adding that people would be sensitised to keep the pond clean and contamination-free.
The entry and exit point of the water body will be guarded, Mohapatra said.
Sources said the local puja committee and the civic body had jointly undertaken the pond rejuvenation work for the past two years. “The renovation work is nearing completion and it will be inaugurated this LSGD— August 31,” the CMC commissioner said.
According to Haripur-Dolamundai Puja Committee president Pradip Mulia, the pond occupies a position of eminence not only for the locals but for the outsiders as well.
“The water body holds its place high as Radha-Krushna plays water sports here. Besides, small traders visiting the Silver City take bath here before paying obeisance to the deity,” Mulia said.
Mulia said due to improper maintenance, the decades- old pond went into disuse. “In 2015, we took up the issue with local corporator Ranjan Biswal who approached the municipal body, following which the renovation began,” he added.
For corporator Ranjan Biswal, the pond is no less an identity of the Millennium City. “There are around 60 similar ponds in the city which need urgent repairs and renovation. Especially, rainwater can be discharged into the ponds and denizens can get some respite from the frequent waterlogging. In the meantime, they could be instrumental in harvesting rainwater as well,” Biswal said.
CMC commissioner Bikash Chandra Mohapatra said, “Other major ponds in the city will also be rejuvenated soon. Apart from creating an identity, the ponds will be crucial in the lives of numerous locals depending on them”.
