Puri,( Newshub desk) – One of Puri’s revered Panchatirtha, the Swetaganga Pond, is crying for attention. Once considered as spiritually meritorious as bathing in the Ganges, this sacred water body is now riddled with pollution, unattended slime-covered steps, and safety hazards for devotees.
Pilgrims visiting Swetaganga Pond for holy rituals have raised concerns about garbage accumulation, water contamination, and skin irritation caused by exposure to the untreated water.
In addition, the lack of proper lighting has transformed the area into a gathering spot for miscreants after dark, raising security fears.
While the ABADHA scheme was meant to restore multiple holy tanks in Puri, including Indradyumna, Markanda, and Narendra, the Swetaganga restoration remains stalled, despite being assigned to the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC).
This delay has sparked frustration among sevayats and devotees, who hold both the Puri district administration and Shri Jagannath Temple authorities responsible for neglecting the pond’s revival.
Swetaganga Pond, deeply linked with the Gangamata Math, continues to deteriorate. The absence of proper toilets and sanitation efforts exacerbates the issue, further dampening its sacred significance.
Sevayats and devotees are calling for immediate action to restore Swetaganga Pond, safeguarding its historical and religious importance.
For now, this once-pristine site remains in peril, awaiting a renewed commitment to its preservation.
