Janakpurdham's Ponds Face Encroachment and Neglect
Summary
Janakpurdham’s historic ponds are facing encroachment, garbage dumping and neglect, with several already disappearing and others on the verge of being lost. The city has begun beautification work at Dewan Pokhari, but delays and coordination issues are raising doubts about the project’s progress.
Key Points
- Janakpurdham’s identity as the city of “52 Kuti 72 Kunda” is being weakened as several historic ponds have disappeared or are threatened by encroachment and neglect.
- The Central Guthi Sansthan says preparations were made to remove encroachments from 15 pond embankments, but the second phase has been delayed for technical reasons and local requests for more time.
- Janakpur Metropolitan City has started beautification work on Dewan Pokhari, with the contract awarded to Sushant-Savan JV Janakpur-15.
- Locals say garbage dumping and lack of coordination are undermining conservation efforts and casting doubt on whether the work will finish on time.
