Bhubaneswar: The municipal corporation has completed restoration of eight out of the 14 natural water bodies.
The restored water bodies are - Nilakantha Puskarini Patia, Masjid Pond, Sadhu Pond, Maa Ugalamani Pond, Gadakana Pokhari, Bhotapada Pond, Balunkeswar Pond and Jena Sahi Pokhari.
"We had deployed our officials on war footing and asked them to complete the restoration as soon as possible. People will be highly benefited from the restored ponds," said mayor Ananta Narayan Jena.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has developed retaining wall along the waterfront, pathways or parikrama, landscaping, water outlet for efficient drainage of excess water and railing or fencing according to the requirement and need of the local residents.
The civic body is having a tough time restoring the rest of the six ponds - Fishery Pond, Kapileswar Pond, Jhara Pokhari, Baghua Pokhari, Badapokhari and Haja Pokhari - which are comparatively larger in size than the restored ponds.
A civic body source claimed that the work on the rest water bodies would be completed by April end. "We had some problems restoring the bigger ponds. Encroachment was a major issue. We are slowly resolving the issues," said Jena.
A senior engineer of the civic body said that apart from development work, de-silting of the pond was also carried out to ensure better depth or water level in the ponds.
"The de-silting will be done in a scientific manner. It is a major task for the large ponds. The maintenance is another thing to take care off," said the engineer.
Old Town resident Suryakant Tripathy said natural water bodies was a blessing for the city, but due to lack of care and maintenance, so many of them died. "It is very important for us to maintain a balance in the environment and reclamation of the water bodies is one component for that."
An amount of Rs 16.81 crore has been raised from Odisha Urban Infrastructure Development Fund for reclamation of these 14 natural water bodies of the city. A source said the civic body has so far spent Rs 2.10 crore for the restoration of eight water bodies. The rest of the funds will be utilised for the remaining six ponds.
