Another pond seeks redemption

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Hardly a kilometre away from the Mitranandapuram pond and not so far away from the Sreevarahom pond, tucked away amid the concrete jungle, another temple pond awaits redemption. The pond owned by the Iraviperur Sree Krishna Swamy Temple and managed by the Travancore Dewaswom Board (TDB) has been lying neglected for years now. The medium-sized pond, which was earlier used for temple purposes, had been a dwelling place of many birds and aquatic beings. Even now, the pond is home to small tortoises that move to the banks during rains. However, neglected over the years, it has become a breeding place for mosquitos. And many houses surrounding the pond have drains opening to the water body.  ‘’During the LDF rule, Devaswom Minister Kadannappally Ramachandran had visited the site and an estimate of ` 20 lakh was prepared for the restoration of the pond. But after that, nothing materialised,’’ said a resident nearby.  With the garbage crisis looming large, residents and temple authorities fear that unless the pond is restored to its previous glory, it might turn a filthy pit very soon.