Jajpur: The historical Kusuma Pond here was finally thrown open to the public Tuesday, 10 months after it was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik after renovation, a report said.
The heritage pond spread over 27 acres was given a phenomenal transformation by Jajpur Municipality with the help of the government.
Even though exact figures are not available about the expenses, sources said the budget for the renovation and beautification came to Rs 19 crore.
One of the largest ponds in Jajpur district, the water body was filled with wastes. Thanks to the sustained and combined efforts of the Jajpur Municipality and government it has staged a comeback.
Today the Kusuma Pond has become one of the most beautiful locations in the town with 70 varieties of flowers adorning its premises. Two days after inauguration people were seen visiting the pond to get a glimpse of the site.
Collector Ranjan Kumar Das inaugurated it Tuesday in the presence of MLA Pranab Prakash Das, Sub-Collector Narayan Chandra Dhal, DRDA PD Braja Gopal Acharya, former Jajpur Municipality Chairman Bhaba Prasad Das, senior government officials and political leaders.
The entry fee to the pond has been fixed at Rs 30 per person and it would remain open for the public from 8 am to 8 pm every day. Fourteen security guards have been deployed on its premises.
Observers said the Kusuma Pond will become a major recreation hub where outsiders visiting Jajpur town can relax.
The visitors will also have boating facility in the pond for which arrangements will be made within a week, administration sources said.
But the air-conditioned rooms near the pond will not be available to the public. The pond’s colourful flowers, blue waters, lush greenery, children’s play hub and artificial fountains are indeed a delight.
The initial plan was to develop the pond for locals and those visiting the town for darshan of Goddess Biraja, the presiding deity of the town.
The pond was inaugurated and dedicated to the public by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik March 24, 2018, on the 150th anniversary celebrations of Jajpur Municipality.
Later, the pond was kept open to the public for two months, but due to non-completion of beautification works it was closed again.
PNN
