Malkangiri: Bali Sagar, a community pond sprawling across 40 acres at the heart of this town, has turned into a breeding ground for various critical illnesses, according to a report.
Earlier, more than 10,000 people depended on the water body for their daily usage over the years. The administration had spent Rs 20 lakh for its beautification in 2012-13. While the surroundings of the pond were made concrete, it was also equipped with a bright lighting system. Apart from plantation around the pond, at least 20 toilets and several bathrooms were constructed for the users.
While the pond is now in a shambles with most facilities going defunct, doctors find it to be the breeding ground for many critical diseases.
At present, hundreds of people defecate on the bank of the pond and many dump wastes near the water body. The drain water also mixes up with the water in rainy season. This apart, excessive use of chemical in fish farming has posed a threat to the lives of citizens.
According to sources, the municipality leased out the pond to Pramila Gyne, a local resident, for three years at Rs 16.61 lakh. She started fish farming in the pond from 2015 after acquiring knowledge from experts in Andhra Pradesh. However, it is alleged that the fish farmer added excess chemicals to fish foods as well as to the water of the pond for the fast growth of the seedlings which increased level of pollution in water.
Meanwhile, dead fish can be seen floating in the water due to the impact of chemicals.
On the other hand, human beings as well as domestic animals that use the pond water now suffer from various deadly diseases including cardiac problems and kidney disorders, it was learnt.
Many residents of the town also suffer from skin diseases, alleged Ram Patnaik, Dilllip Parichha and Bablu Pujari of the town.
Anand Patra, a revenue inspector of the town, last year consulted a doctor in Vizag after suffering from chronic stomach pain. Many people of Malkangiri town were found suffering from kidney ailments and heart diseases due to consumption of fish grown with overdose of chemicals, the doctor reportedly told Patra.
Malkangiri municipality executive officer and sub-collector Lingaraj Panda said the water would be sent for laboratory test and the fishery department has been asked to probe regarding the massive death of fish. PNN
