The Swetaganga Pond, one of the revered Panchatirtha (five sacred tanks) of Puri’s Srikhetra, is in a deplorable state, marring its spiritual significance.
Believed to offer the same divine merit as bathing in the Ganges, this sacred tank is now overwhelmed by heaps of garbage, slime on its steps, and untreated water, posing risks to devotees. Complaints of skin irritation and injuries from slipping on the slimy steps have surfaced, while the lack of proper lighting has turned the area into a haven for miscreants after dusk, making it unsafe for devotees and tourists alike.
Under the ambitious ABADHA scheme, funds were allocated by the previous government for the restoration and beautification of Puri’s holy ponds, including Indradyumna, Markanda, and Narendra. While work on these tanks progresses, the restoration of Swetaganga remains stalled despite being assigned to the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC). The delay has fueled discontent among devotees and sevayats, who accuse the Puri district and Shri Jagannath Temple administration of inaction.
The water in Swetaganga, linked to the Ganges through ancient lore, remains polluted, and the absence of adequate toilets and cleaning efforts has worsened the situation. Devotees visit this sacred site for rituals, but the current state undermines its sanctity. Connected to the nearby Gangamata Math, Swetaganga holds deep spiritual value, yet its neglect paints a grim picture.
Devotees and sevayats demand urgent action, expressing frustration over the lack of progress. The call is clear: restore Swetaganga Pond to preserve its sacred legacy and ensure safety and reverence for all.
