Paralakhemundi: Sitasagar, a huge royal lake, located here in the town has been lying in utter neglect since years, thanks to the attitude of the officials concerned.
The age-old pond which once adorned the town with its beauty and uniqueness has been wallowing in exclusion. It seems to have lost its existence with hyacinth and weed running wild all over the water body.
The pond, sprawling over 30 acres was once a symbol of the royal regime. It used to be filled with beautiful, mesmerizing lotus flowers all over and drew huge visitors especially during evenings.
However, due to lack of renovation and beautification, it has turned into a hub for drunkards and anti-socials. Hooligans come here to party and later dump the waste and liquor bottles in the lake.
Apart from adding beauty to the town, the historical pond was also the lifeline of many farmers in the area. Many farmers used to collect water to their fields for irrigation purposes.
Even as residents and social activists have been pressing for the renovation of the pond for a long time, the pleas fall in deaf ears. Some social activists have made efforts to renovate it at different times, but due to lack of support from the elected representatives and the administration that could not materialise.
Many political parties claimed to renovate the pond if voted to power. This has spread resentment among the residents here.
“Even the beautification of a pond needs vote! This is ridiculous. It is the duty of the government and the elected members,” a youth expressed his discontentment.
