Next to the sister temple (Shree Shree Anandamoyee Shiva and Kali Mata Mandir) in the Muktagachha of Mymensingh, there is a centuries-old pond.
For decades, this water frame has been the largest source of drinking water for the other inhabitants of Mymensingh.
Unfortunately, over time, this pond has a landfill. Weeds and water hyacinths have absolutely invaded the water frame, giving a bad image of the once sacred pond.
In addition, other influential people have occupied a part near the pond for advertising purposes, creating an impediment for many worshippers who stop at the temples.
In addition, the poor, regardless of caste, creed and religion, used the pond for bathing and grooming due to the lack of drinking water in the city.
“However, the pond has recently become unusable due to endemic pollution,” said Arab Ali, a resident of the area.
Religious events, in addition to Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Kattiyani Puja and Monosha puja, are held in the temples. A special bid for each full moon and new moon and, at the urging of Pahela Baishakh, also takes position here. Devotees belonging to Robidas The network also celebrates “Surya Puja” in this position.
People from home and abroad flock to this place festivals, but leave dismayed by the putrid smell emitted by the pond.
Witnesses said part of the local population dumped their family’s waste in the pond every night.
Spoiled food from nearby restaurants is also thrown into the pond, while the government remains silent.
Seeking anonymity, some alleged that a certain Ranjan Goswami kept bamboo for his ornament business by occupying a portion of land across the pond for thirty years.
When contacted, Ranjan claimed the bamboos piled up regularly, but said he kept them there from time to time.
Rakesh Chakraborty, a priest of the dual temple, said the pond was recently cleaned in collaboration with the local administration, but everything returned to normal in a matter of days.
“We don’t have enough budget to clean up the pond because the temple runs on local donations,” he added.
Contacted, AKM Lutfor Rahman, UNO of Muktagacha, said measures would be taken to keep the pond free of contamination in the future.