Hassan (Karnataka), August 16, 2017: It was once called the White Water pond because of its crystal clear water, but over the years the ancient Belagola pond at the pilgrim centre of Shravanabelagola has lost its purity with silt and algae turning its water green and filthy.

But with Shravanabelgola readying for the Mahamastakabhisheka of Bahubali’s statue in February 2018, the Hassan zilla parishad has decided to clean the pond and restore it to its former glory.

The work, which will begin on Wednesday at a cost of Rs 60 lakh, will also included renovation of the nearby Chavundaraya Park.

Some years ago the pond was given the shape of a kalyani with the addition of steps and arches by Mysuru Maharaja, Chikkadevaraja Wadiyar, earning it the name of Chikkadevaraja Wadiyar Kalyani, going by a senior journalist, Ashok Kumar, familiar with its history.

Receiving water from the Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri Hills, the pond’s outlet leads to nearby water bodies.

But some believe that the outlet is blocked, causing its water to stagnate.

Locals says the district authorities had begun to remove the silt from the pond a few years ago but in the process they gave life to the algae, which spread on the pond, leaving it dirty and stinking.

Agreeing that the pond is historically important and also of religious significance, Mr Varaprasad Reddy, Special Officer for the Mahamastkabhisheka Mahotsava-2018, assures the ancient water body will get a fresh new look after it’s cleaned up. The cleaning and desilting could take about 45 days, according to officials. – News Courtesy: Deccan Chronicle