Bhubaneswar: A new report by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) has shed light on the deteriorating condition of temple tanks in Bhubaneswar’s Old Town area. The report, titled Sacred Waters: Preservation Strategy for Temple Tanks, calls for immediate action to restore these heritage water bodies, which are critical to the city’s cultural and ecological balance. Authored by preservation architect Anisha Swain, the report provides a comprehensive assessment of the tanks’ current state and proposes actionable strategies for their revival.
The report was released by A.B. Tripathy, INTACH’s State Convener, and Dr. S.S. Ray, Director General of KIIT School of Architecture & Planning. Speaking at the event, Tripathy emphasized that Odisha is home to one of the largest collections of temple tanks in the country, with cities like Puri, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, and others contributing to this rich legacy. Additionally, the state has nearly 150,000 village ponds, many of which are in a severe state of neglect.
The study reveals that relentless urbanization and a lack of proper maintenance have taken a significant toll on the heritage temple tanks, ponds, and wells in Bhubaneswar. Over the years, these water bodies have degenerated into cesspools, and the drying up of natural aquifers due to extensive groundwater extraction has further exacerbated the situation.
Anisha Swain’s report includes water quality tests conducted in certified laboratories, uncovering alarming levels of contamination in many tanks. Out of 30 tanks surveyed, 18 were found to be dangerously polluted, with high concentrations of E. coli, faecal bacteria, pesticides, heavy metals, arsenic, and fluoride. Many tanks were identified as “dead water bodies” due to low pH and dissolved oxygen levels, making them unfit for use.
Anil Dhir, INTACH’s Bhubaneswar Convener, called for immediate action to revive these tanks, emphasizing their cultural, ecological, and community significance. He noted that the depletion of groundwater and the drying up of natural aquifers in the heritage zone have contributed to the deterioration of these historically important water bodies.
The report also suggests several remedial measures to address the crisis. It recommends stricter penalties for polluting temple tanks, regular cleaning and maintenance of water inlets and outlets, and entrusting their upkeep to local stakeholder committees. Additionally, it calls for installing warning signs to inform the public about the hazardous state of the water in many tanks.
The findings aim to guide conservationists, heritage experts, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and state authorities in formulating effective strategies for restoring these water bodies to their former glory.
The report release event, held in Bhubaneswar’s Old Town, included a discussion on the importance of heritage conservation, led by Prof. Adyash Das. The program also featured a question-and-answer session moderated by author and education leader Panchami Manoo Ukil, adding depth to the conversation about safeguarding Odisha’s rich legacy of sacred waters.
This project underscores INTACH’s unwavering commitment to heritage preservation, offering a critical blueprint for protecting the state’s invaluable temple tanks and ensuring their sustainable management for future generations.
