Roadpali pond, a major immersion spot, in pathetic state

The Roadpali pond of Kalamboli which is an important immersion venue during Ganeshotsav is in pathetic state. The City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) has taken up a project to beautify the pond but till that happens, the pond in a remote area continues to be a dumping ground.

The Saibhakt Seva Sanstha of Kalamboli has written to Cidco to take up urgent cleaning work at the pond as Ganeshotsav is just days away.

It is located on the road that connects Roadpali to Sion-Panvel highway. The pond has been in existence since before Cidco acquired land in the region.

The pond fell into neglect after Cidco developed Kalamboli. Cidco undertook development in Roadpali as well, but the pond was not cleared. Since there is no recreational place or centre in the area, the residents have long been demanding that the pond be beautified.

The demand has increased as the pond is primarily used for immersions during Ganeshotsav by households and the sarvajanik mandals. The pond is full of garbage, plastic bags and other filth. There is also huge silt deposits in the pond. The pond is surrounded by slums.

Nitin Kale, founder president of the Sanstha, said: “Ganpati immersion here takes place from almost the entire Kalamboli area. How can we immerse our idol in such an unclean pond?”

He informed, “We have submitted a letter to Cidco executive engineer Sunil Kapse on the issue. Last year, too we had written to Cidco following which action was taken. This year also we have been assured action.”

Kapse said, “We have received the letter from Sai Pratishthan, Their demand is right. We will soon clean up the pond and also its surrounding areas.”

He said, “We will also construct a mandap for visarjan.”

BACHCHAN KUMAR