It seems the renovation of a vast water body located in Nilgiri, called Padmatola, will not be taken up soon as was expected. The administration has not been able to decide whether the lake would be developed for merely the purpose of tourism or it should be used for a minor irrigation project (MIP).
The State Wetlands Development Authority had agreed to provide funds for the renovation of the lake, which had been long neglected. The de-silting of the lake and clearing of area for entry of fresh water into it were to be taken up. But, with the district administration getting another proposal to develop the lake for a MIP has thrown a spanner on its immediate renovation as a tourism site.
“The State Wetland Development Authority although considered to renovate the abandoned water body after a lot of persuasion, yet a new development has served it a jolt. The district administration is keen to use the water source for a MIP,” said Baleswar DFO Harshbardhan Udgata.
District Collector Sanatan Mallick said, “On a recommendation of Standing Committee of the Odisha Assembly, the renovation works of the lake proposed to be taken up by the Forest Department has been stalled.”
The water body, once most favourite destination of royal families of the erstwhile princely State of Nilgiri, was abandoned by successive Governments. The lake at Kansa near Ayodhya which was originally about 100 acres has shrunk to only 41.26 acres due to encroachment.
The lake used to bear innumerable lotus and for that it was named as Padmatola. Besides, the place was a major place for birds. Avian varieties visit the place round the year. Without de-silting and clearing the channel link between the water body and Sunei river, the lake starved of fresh water.