Baripada: Benisagar, a huge pond sprawling over an area of 340mt X 3000mt, near Raruan block in Mayurbhanj district, boasts of its past royal glory and archeological significance.
However, the pond is on the verge of losing its existence for lack up maintenance while neighbouring Jharkhand has claimed its right of ownership on the pond, even though it was once an integral part of the erstwhile Mayurbhanj princely state.
The pond, situated at a place only three km away from Raruan block, is steeped with legends and is said to be a witness to numerous historical events.
Remains of carved stones, stone statues and brick houses speak volumes of the remote antiquity of the place.
A verdant forest rich with towering trees is adding to the charm of the place.
It is said that a marvelous structure was built by Mayurbhanj royal families in the heart of Benisagar, but it gradually fell victim to the ravages of time and eventually crumbled into water.
For some years, the state archeology department excavated the area around the pond. Over a 100 Shiva lingams, remains of temples and statues and figurines were recovered during the excavations.
The archeological remains and pond remind the people of Mayurbhanj about the lost glory of the royal rule. After the merger of Mayurbhanj princely state in separate Orissa province, Jharkhand claimed its right of ownership on the pond.
The archeological department of the neighbouring state has put up an information board at the site.
Ironically, the neighbouring state has paid little attention to the upkeep of the remains of ancient temples, statues and beautifully patterned stones lying scattered in the area. Monument lovers alleged the remains are gradually sinking into the ground, but are not being recovered and protected for posterity.
Locals observed that the neighbouring government should initiate steps towards protection and preservation of the monuments at sites lying on the borders of Orissa.
The remains of temples and architectural designs as reflected in statues and carved out stones bear similarity to the monuments at Khiching.
People of fringe areas in Orissa pressed for preservation of the valuable monuments but the state tourism department is not paying attention in this regard.
District tourism officer Manoranjan Mohapatra evaded the issue stating that Benisagar is a part of Jharkhand.
Raruan block development officer Jayshree Beura said, “Benisagar is on the borders of Orissa and Jharkhand. I have no information that it was part of Mayurbhanj during monarchy.” PNN
