Jajpur: Kusuma tank, one of the largest water bodies in the district headquarter town of Jajpur, is all set to get a revamped look, with a massive restoration work to complete later this month.
The tank, spread over 27 acres, faced a risk of near extinction in 2012 with water pollution mainly caused due to dumping of medical waste from the district headquarters hospital.
The Jajpur Municipality, however, decided to take up the restoration with the help of state government and the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) which is one of the components of Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) of the Union government. The Rs 16-crore restoration project started in March 2012.
While the authorities prevented discharge of wastewater into the tank, four borewells were also dug up to keep the flow of water continuous. Subsequently, embankment building work was undertaken along with a beautification drive in the peripheral areas. The peripheral works included construction of a water cascade, iron fencing, landscaping, plantation, illumination and wall murals depicting the life history of Gautam Buddha.
"Our aim was not only to restore the pond which is deeply associated with the people of the town but also converting it into a tourist destination. Though the historic town is famous for Biraja temple and other temples, there was no other recreational facilities for the tourists. We will also start boating to attract tourists," said officer on special duty to Jajpur Municipality Sudarshan Mishra.
Town residents also expressed happiness over the restoration. "There was no recreational spot in the town apart from the Baitarani riverbank. Town residents are forced to hit the local roads for a morning walk. But though the renovation is not yet over, the tank has already started attracting youths," said Deepak Panigrahi, a local resident.
"The tank will not only attract local people, but also tourists from other districts. The facility will be dedicated to the public this month when the municipality turns 150-years old," said local BJD legislator Pranab Prakash Das.
