(Left) Pump sets are engaged to dry the Megheswar temple pond. (Above) The ASI has also taken up the routine renovation work of the 12th century historic monument. Telegraph pictures

Bhubaneswar, May 12: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has finally started renovation work of the pond on the premises of the 12th century Megheswar temple.

While three pumps have been deployed to empty the pond, the ASI authorities have simultaneously taken up their routine renovation work of the main temple.

The temple pond, with a rich stream-like water source, has no drainage outlet. In the rainy season, excess water from the pond cannot pass anywhere. Also, weeds are floating all over the waterbody as no desiltation activities have taken place here in last five decades.

Local residents, as well as the local councillor of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), have demanded immediate measures to renovate the pond. Incidentally, The Telegraph also carried a report on March 19 on the need to renovate the temple pond.

Local residents said earlier the temple pond had a drainage channel, but with housing colonies coming up violating the ASI regulations, the drainage outlet is nowhere to be seen now. As a result, excess water of the pond cannot go outside. It is also affecting the temple’s structure as water is seeping into the temple compound.

Local councillor, Ashok Singh also discussed the issue with the ASI authorities so that a proper drainage outlet could be made for the temple pond.

“The pond is a great source of water. The conservation experts are also pumping its water to maintain the Megheswaer and Bhaskareswar temples. More than 1,000 people bathe in its water everyday. But the ASI authorities need to rethink the way they are drying up the pond. They are pumping water from the pond in phases. But as the water source is a stream, they cannot continue with this tactic for long,” he said.

“The pond should be dried by running the pump non-stop. But if it is not followed, the completion of work will take a longer time. Also, without a proper drying process, the renovation of the pond’s embankment will not be possible. The contractors employed by the conservation authority should work scientifically for a timely completion of the project,” he added.

An ASI contractor, employed at the site, said: “Steps for desiltation can only be planned once the pond’s water is removed completely.” However, the councillor was not satisfied with the ASI contractor’s reasoning. “One has to go for complete drying up of the waterbody first. Phase-wise approach will not serve the purpose,” he added.

A senior ASI official said renovation work of the temple pond would include the provision of a drainage outlet in collaboration with the BMC.

“After finishing the work inside the compound ourselves, we will ask the BMC authorities to provide the drainage outlet from outside,” he added. He also said that as many houses have come up in the nearby areas, the pond was now lying at a comparatively lower level. The BMC authorities should have taken measures to build a drain, which would be below the level of the pond.