Drop in water level at Taptapani sparks concern

Berhampur: Taptapani, which is famous for the hot water spring that is capable of curing aches and various skin ailments, might soon lose its significance if the State Government does not take steps for its restoration.

As per sources, the water level of Taptapni, around 40 km from Berhampur in Ganjam district, has been sharply reducing with a fluctuation in water temperature during the last few months which has now raised a concern among locals as well as tourists.

Locals alleged that digging of a borewell at a nearby Hanuman temple in December last year has contributed to the change in the pattern of the hot water spring.

“Since hot water was flowing out of the borewell, the district administration had made it dysfunctional following complaints by local residents. Since that day, the water flow of the spring has reduced,” said a villager.

Though the villagers have brought the matter to the notice of the district administration several times, nothing has been done so far, he added.

“The temperature of the water is dropping by the day. The water flow has also reduced. If the State Government does not take any steps, all villagers will take to streets in coming days,” said Ranjan Kumar Jani, a priest.

Berhampur Sub-Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain said, “Though no complaint has been received so far in this regard, we will take up the matter Suo Motu and contact the concerned authorities and the local unit of the Geological Survey of India for necessary steps.”