The historic pond in Patia. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, June 29: The historic pond near Patia gada (fort) will soon be renovated with funds available under additional central assistance.

The seven-and-a-half acre Nilakantheswar pond in Patia village will be renovated at a cost of Rs 34 lakh. The project includes desiltation, construction of a retention wall and revamping of its ghats.

Councillor of ward No. 2 and a resident of Patia, Sanjay Kumar Sethi, said: “The detailed project report for the renovation work of the century-old pond was prepared eight months ago in association with the engineering department of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). Following approval of the authorities, the tender has already been floated for the work order. The renovation work will start in September just after the monsoon.”

Banamali Badajena, a senior citizen of Patia village, said: “The pond was lying neglected for years together. It’s renovation will help about 20,000 villagers. Apart from that the pond could also be used to conduct rituals and for the water sports of the Trinity of the local temple.”

Village committee secretary, Adwitya Prasad Champati, who was also involved in the renovation plan with the local councillor, said: “As the state government has recently published a digital map for water bodies across the state, we hope the renovation of our village pond will also inspire other nearby villagers to take similar steps. Renovation of water bodies near human habitation not only helps in a cooler environment, but also in raising the ground water table.”

The renovation plan of the historic pond in Patia is part of the Rs 15-crore additional central assistance plan. According to this plan, BMC will invest Rs 10.04 crore for revival of 31 roads and Rs 5 crore to renovate 18 neglected water bodies across the city.

The BMC engineering wing is undertaking renovation of water bodies such as Santha Tulasi Sarobar (ward No. 4), Badei Tank (ward No. 5), Chua pokhari in Ghatikia (ward No. 28), Bada pokhari in Jagamara (ward No. 29), Talabani pond in Pokhariput (ward No. 30), Nilakantheswar pond at Patia (ward No. 2) and retaining wall of community pond in ward No 25, Brahmeswar pond and Chilli pokhari (ward No. 54), Godi pokhari and Uttareswar pond (ward No. 53), Hat Chhak pond and Marda Chowk pond (ward No. 57), Mali Hata pond (ward No. 42), Padma pokhari at Jharpada (ward No. 40), Tubi gadia (ward No. 41) and Dargha pokhari (ward No. 59).