Holy pond in Bihar's Gaya District dries up

Gaya (Bihar), June 5 (ANI): The locals in Bihar's Gaya District are disheartened, as the ancient holy pond Suryakund has dried up.

Swimmers have particular worries, as the pond was the only swimming pool available for them to practice.

The pond has been a training pool for several nation-level athletes.

"For the purpose of competition, we practice here and move to state and national level. But we need practice to move to such a level," said Kamlesh Kumar Durga, a swimmer.

Being an important tourist spot, the pond is flooded with tourists during festival season every year.

However, the sacred pond could not bear the brunt of the searing temperature this year.

"The religious sentiments of the visitors are hurt because the pond has dried out. The locals are also facing problems. Every year, hundreds of children learn swimming here. And the number has increased to 200-300," said Suresh Narayan, Social Worker.

"They have displayed their talents at a national-level after learning swimming from here. But this all has stopped now," he added. (ANI)