Siddhnath pond depleted, getting choked with algae

Vadodara: The Siddhnath Pond, one of the few surviving water bodies in the heart of the city apart from Sursagar, is plagued by foul odours and a thick layer of algae. Despite the civic body spending over Rs 1.2 crore on its upkeep, the pond's condition deteriorates every summer.
Located in the old city area, not far from the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) headquarters at Khanderao Market, the pond initially received Rs 1.2 crore in funding for its restoration in 2010. Over the years, additional funds have been allocated for its maintenance, yet the situation remains dire.
To improve water quality, the civic body had proposed installing borewells to ensure a steady supply of fresh water and adding fountains to enhance circulation and prevent algae buildup. However, these measures were never implemented. "As a result, the water level drops every summer, and the pond starts emitting a foul smell," said councillor Balasaheb Surve.
Surve also highlighted the presence of aquatic life, including fish and turtles, which are at risk whenever the pond begins to dry up. "I have repeatedly urged the VMC to take action and have even raised the issue in general board meetings," he added.
He further noted that in the past, faults in nearby drainage lines had occasionally caused sewage water to flow into the pond. However, he confirmed that such incidents had not occurred in the past few months.