Talabani Pond at Pokhariput area in Bhubaneswar will be renovated soon. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, April 19: The process of tapping groundwater through borewells by Pokhariput residents — who don’t have pipe water supply facility — is resulting in depletion of groundwater sources in the area.

Worried over the matter, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is gearing up to revive the Talabani pond in the area which falls under ward No. 30 with a grant of Rs 40 lakh under the additional central assistance (ACA) scheme.

Talabani pond takes its name from tal (palm) trees as they surround it. However, with no permanent underground streams, the huge pond of two acres is now lying completely dry.

“The BMC plan will include creating a permanent source to provide water for the pond. It could be a borewell or a pipe water connection from the pipeline under construction from Khandagiri end to Bhimatangi by the Public Health Engineering Organisation. With provision of water for the pond, excavation work and proper embankment will add advantage for the dying pond as it would help in retaining the water and ultimately help in retaining the groundwater level around the locality,’’ a BMC official added.

“Talabani proves the fact that uncontrolled depletion of groundwater can dry up a big water body. Even some of the local residents have started putting their solid wastes into the dry pond and a portion has also been encroached,’’ said H.B. Samantaray, the local councillor.

“Once the pond was full of water and the people were using the water body, but rapid urbanisation has resulted in the depletion of groundwater, hence, death of the water body. Once work to revive the pond with central aid is complete, the pond will regain its lost importance and the entire area will be benefitted,’’ said a local resident.

Interestingly, name of the area, Pokhariput was derived from pond (‘pokhari’ in Oriya), which is now known as ‘Jhara Pokhari’. Legend says that two leaders of the ‘Paik’ (warrior) community, who came from a place called Bhanra Garh near Kakatpur to fight the British forces near Khurda Garh, started a settlement near the pond after clearing a forest patch. Today the Jhara Pokhari is full of water, but its counterpart Talabani is totally dry.

Pitambar Parida, a local resident said: “The Talabani Pond renovation work should start immediately and simultaneously there should be provision of drinking water for Pokhariput through pipeline.

“Without supplying pipe water we cannot stop drawing of groundwater through borewells. Harvesting of rainwater should be a mandatory process while allowing buildings in the area.’’