The pond on the premises of Megheswar temple has not been cleaned for decades. As a result, it is full of silt and weeds. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, March 18: The pond on the premises of the 12th century Megheswar temple needs immediate attention from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The beautiful temple pond with a rich stream like water source has no outlet. Therefore, in the rainy season the excess water cannot flow out. With no desilting activities for the past five decades, weeds float all over the waterbody.

Local residents said the pond had a drainage channel but after housing colonies came up violating ASI rules, the outlet could not be seen.

As the excess water of the pond cannot flow out, it slowly seeps into the temple compound. This is affecting the temple structure.

Councillor of ward No. 50 Ashok Singh said the issue of building a proper drainage system for the pond had been discussed with ASI authorities. “The pond is a great source of water and conservation experts are using it to maintain the lawn and water plants. Daily more than 1,000 people are bathing in the water, but no step has so far been taken either to desilt and de-weed the pond,’’ he added.

Ekamra MLA Ashok Panda has taken up the issue of renovation of the pond with ASI authorities as the site sees a huge turnout of devotees on Shivaratri. Member of the temple trust Kishore Kumar Mohanty alleged that the presiding deity of Megheswar temple had to be worshipped with the polluted pond water.

“I am 52 years old, but have never seen the ASI authorities taking up any step to clean the pond,’’ he said.

ASI superintending archaeologist (Orissa circle), A. K. Patel, said: “After houses came up in the area, the pond stood at a lower level than the nearby land. The BMC should have taken measures to build a drain below the pond level. I will consult the civic authority to conserve the temple pond in a scientific manner.’’

The local councillor, however, said the ASI did nothing and neither did it allow BMC to intervene.