Layers of algae on the water surface of Papanasini tank at Old Town in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, May 21: One of the most culturally significant ancient water bodies in Bhubaneswar, the 11th century Papanasini tank, lies in a neglected condition today.

The tank at Badheibanka Chowk in Old Town is also considered sacred. However, with no effort to clean or maintain the tank, layers of algae have deposited on its water surface and wild grass is defacing the ancient structures around it. The Telegraph had brought to notice the condition of the heritage site in February 2011, following which steps had been taken to clean the tank and restore the beauty of the structures around it. But with no regular maintenance programme, the age-old structures are once again in need of attention and preservation measures.

Spread over an area of close to 6,000sqft, the Papanasini tank, a protected site of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is a reservoir with the water level almost remaining constant throughout the year, even during summer.

Since the water level is much lower than ground level, making it a deep structure, a flight of stairs allow people to take a dip in it. The tank is closely associated with the rituals of the famous Lingaraj temple and the deity’s representative idols are given a bath in the tank during special rituals or festivals.

However, a thick green layer of algae deposit that has settled above the tank water makes it unhealthy for public use and also defaces its appearance for tourists. Encroachment on different sides and installation of a huge transformer close to it also make it inaccessible.

The various temples and boundary walls around it also wear a dingy look because of the growth of wild grass.

The Papanasini Kunda (tank) surrounded by many temples such as Maitreswara, Isaneswara, Baneswara, Mangaleswara, the small Papanasini temple and the Kapali Matha. ASI officials said care was taken from time to time to keep the precincts of protected monuments clean, but because of low manpower, the frequency of maintenance activities reduced. “ASI conducts regular cleaning activities and these problems will be solved soon,” said a senior ASI official.