Basukinath Shivganga in miserable condition

BASUKINATH (DUMKA): It may seem surprising but it is true that more than 50,000 people take bath in a medium size pond, spread over about five acres of land consisting of completely stagnant water.
This is Shivganga of Basukinath Dham where devotees from every part of the country and, even from abroad, take a dip before offering holy water (Gangajal) to Lord Shiva during the month of shrawan.
The pond water stinks and its colour has turned green. A local priest (panda) Chandrakant Jha pointed out the kanwariyas take a dip in the pond only because it is a compulsory part of the ritual, otherwise nobody would like to even go near to the pond.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, a bank officer who is frequent visitor to this place, echoed similar sentiments, saying: “Instead of taking bath in Shivganga I prefer hand pump water before entering into the temple.�
The local people complained that the Jharkhand government made tall claims regarding the management of Shrawani fair but nothing concrete was done to provide basic facilities to the kanwariyas.�Nothing was done to keep the Shivganga clean. It is more stinking than it was last year,� a devotee said.
According to Sanjay Sinha, a college teacher who is doing research on water contamination, a dip in the Shivganga may prove hazardous for the devotees.
Despite repeated attempts, officials concerned could not be contacted.
At the stall of district public relation department, only a class IV employee was present to make announcements about the missing visitors. He could not give any information regarding the fair.