Baripada: A massive lake, known as Khinjiribandh built by royals, in Baripada town of Mayurbhanj district has been lying in neglect for the last 35 years. It seems to have lost its existence with hyacinth and weed running wild all over the water body
However, the pond, sprawling over 29.47 acres, a symbol of the royal regime, is going to get a new lease of life soon, as the civic body has been on its toes for its renovation and beautification, which will be taken up at a cost of Rs 3.99 crore. The long lost pond is expected to get back its identity.
The civic body is now awaiting the government approval for the project which will be funded by Odisha Urban Infrastructure Development Fund, said deputy chairperson of Baripada Municipality, Jitendra Mohanty.
Residents and social activists have been pressing for renovation of Khinjiribandh for a long time. Some social activists had made efforts to renovate it at different times, but due to lack of support from the elected representatives and the administration that couldn’t materialize, said Mohanty. However, locals had not given up their fight for its renovation. Eventually, the government came forward to renovate it and sent a team of officials to the pond site in 2015.
The government has worked out a funding pattern for the project. The state government will provide 80 percent of the total cost while the remaining 20 percent will be borne by the civic body.
The superintending engineer and the executive engineer of the PHEO have prepared a technical report on its renovation and beautification. It has been sent to the Urban Development Department. Tender for the project will be floated after the technical project report is approved.
Drinking water, a children’s park on one side, grass turf around the pond, benches, toilets, solar lighting and ornament plants will be planted around the lake during renovation. The royal palace is near the pond that was used for pisciculture earlier.
Besides, the cost of renovation of several other ponds in Baripada town has also been estimated. Accordingly, Hemsagar needs Rs 1.5 crore; Badapokhari Rs 1.77 crore; Chapal Pokhari Rs 1.48 crore; Pilot Sahi bund Rs 85.86 lakh; Station bund Rs 1.81 crore; and Jubuloi Park bund Rs 94.43 lakh.
PNN