Gurugram, July 27 -- Residents of South City-1 have alleged poor maintenance of a pond in Silokhra, developed last year, saying the five-acre waterbody has become covered in algae and emits a foul stench, citing poor upkeep over several months. During an HT spot check on Sunday, the pond was found blanketed with a thick green algae, with a pungent odour emanating from the waterbody and its surroundings. Residents alleged that water from a sewage treatment plant (STP) flows into the pond and claimed there are hardly any inspections by the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). In response, GMDA officials said treated STP water, not untreated sewage, was always part of plan. GMDA officials said the Silokhra pond rejuvenation project was completed in phases, with the final phase finished in May at a cost of around Rs.3 crore. Sagar Bhola, president of the residents' welfare association (RWA), said the pond, envisioned as a recreational and picnic spot, has deteriorated within a year of its redevelopment. "Fish, which were supposed to be introduced to help maintain the ecosystem, have still not been released, while the water has remained stagnant. These factors have contributed to the formation of a thick algae layer across the entire pond," he said. Another resident, requesting anonymity, alleged the pond lacks oxygen-generating equipment, contributing to poor water quality and algal growth. GMDA said fountains had been installed, fish would be introduced soon. The pond site, once recorded as "gairmumkin nullah", was ordered by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2024 to be redeveloped as a pond after locals challenged an HSVP commercial complex proposal. Navneet Wasan, a petitioner in the case, said the NGT petition filed by Paramjit Singh and nine others remains pending as directions, including installing aeration machines and introducing fish, are yet to be complied with. "We've looped in GMDA, but action is yet to be completed from their end too," he added. Neha Sharma, spokesperson for GMDA, said the pond is maintained under corporate social responsibility (CSR). "If there is any complaint, both GMDA and the CSR partner will look into it. A team will be sent for inspection," she said....