Lalitpur, November 18:

Situgal Pond at Pulchowk, locally known as Singati Pokhari, is in a deteriorating condition, thanks to the locals’ using it for dumping purposes.

The pond commands significance, as special Puja of 12 Bishnus takes place here every year during the Machhindra Nath Jatra. Also before the festival, bamboo used to prepare the chariot is dipped in the pond for 15 days.

“We tried clearing the pond, but the efforts are simply inadequate as children and visitors have not been barred from littering it,” said Mukunda Maharjan, a local.

Sanu Maya Amatya of Sun Shine Travels said a certain Laxmi Maya Maharjan, the acclaimed patron of the pond, often undertook the sanitation job at the pond, but added there was no more helping hand, rendering the effort ineffective. She, however, said Laxmi Maya Maharjan sometimes received locals’ financial support.

Laxmi said she, occasionally, received a little support from Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City and Guthi Sansthan, but it was far from adequate. But she makes sure that the pond is cleared at least once a year for the festival.

Who is responsible?

Locals point at Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City (LSMC) as an authority responsible for the maintenance of the pond. But the local body expresses its helplessness towards the mainternance of the pond. Evidently, it has not been able to take proper care of the pond in its office premises.