DHENKANAL: Even as the Orissa High Court has ruled that the traditional water bodies should be preserved, 16 ponds in Dhenkanal are lying dilapidated.
Coming under the Dhenkanal municipal limits, these water bodies have not been renovated for the last 20 to 25 years.
Despite presence of land around these ponds for beautification and renovation works, no such step is allegedly being taken up.
A large number of villagers depend on these water bodies for bathing and cleaning purposes.
At many places, cattle and livestock get a wash in these ponds. Open defecation around these ponds is being attributed as the primary reason behind pollution in these ponds.
A few days back, locals had blocked the Dhenkanal-Banasingh road demanding renovation of the pond in Similia which has dried up completely.
Official sources said Dhenkanal Municipality had sent a proposal seeking ` 16 crore for repair and renovation of the ponds under the municipal area.
Civic body executive officer Subhas Jena said when funds are sanctioned, renovation works would be initiated immediately.