The century-old pond of Nilakantheswar temple of Tarbha NAC in Subarnapur district, which is situated in the heart of Tarbha town, stands neglected despite repeated requests made by the locals for its renovation.
long back, the pond water was used by the locals for drinking and their daily needs. Today, it has turned into a stinking swamp used for dumping garbage.
Although confirmed records are not available regarding the origin of the pond, locals claimed that it was dug over an area of 1/2 acre before 120 years ago.
Though the pond was cleaned at regular intervals, later no attention was paid to the pond. Due to lack of maintenance, weeds have covered the pond and garbage is dumped into by the locals.
Resentment is brewing among residents of the town over the administration’s neglect towards renovation of the heritage pond.
They demanded immediate revival of the water body which will attract large numbers of visitors.
Former NAC Chairman Sailendra Sahu and Citizen Committee president Haribandhu Panigrahi among others have demanded immediate steps to renovate the pond.