The pond in question is Dodda Arasana Pond located near Private Bus Stand in the city. Town Municipal Council had come forward to save the pond and even released funds for its development. However, the initial interest to restore the pond to its original stature is not visible anymore.

Instead of developing the location as a park, the area surrounding the pond is full of weeds.

As the pond is located next to the road, it is more prone to garbage being dumped. The pond is filled with plastic and useless home appliances. The district administration has failed to turn the area into a beautiful park.

There are stairs from the Ganesha Temple to reach the pond and the walls surrounding the pond are broken on all sides. Pedestrians use the route around the pond, but nobody cares about the cleanliness at the pond.

With the immersion of Ganesh idols gaining momentum, the Town Municipal Council has allowed water to be filled in the pond for the immersion, as there are no other suitable places in the area. However, the environmental impact on the pond eco-system has not been taken into consideration.

Children swim in this pond, even though it hasn’t been filled completely. Apart from immersing the idols, the pooja items are also dumped into the pond.
Town Municipal Council has said that it will focus on developing parks in the city. But, after the work was started only removal of a few weeds took place. Later, the promise of development has been broken. Guards should appointed for the protection of the pond.
If steps are not taken immediately, then a clean pond and park will be remain a distant dream.
DH News Service