Thiruvananthapuram: The Hymavathi pond on the Kariavattom campus of the University of Kerala is infamous for creepy tales around it. Locals avoid it even during day fearing lores about spirits haunting the waterbody. It got an image makeover after a Rs 15 lakh remodelling initiative carried out by the authorities. The renovated pond was inaugurated by Minister Kadakampally Surendran.

The pond has retained its natural charm even after the renovation carried out in association with the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation. A panel comprising teaching staff, university guards and students will be formed for overseeing it.

The pond and vacant plot around it was a den for antisocial elements since ghost stories kept people away from it. In the past, the police have arrested criminals from this spot.

It is expected the pond will not be shunned hereafter as it will be deemed as a source of drinking water.

Knowledge Park spiked

An earlier government bid to build a Knowledge Park at the spot, however, remained on paper because of funds crunch. It was planned to build a half-acre lawn and benches around the pond as part of the project. The plan did not materialise as removing dirt from the pond itself took up all the money set aside. Authorities said it overshot the budget after paving the banks with gravel.

The university will build lawn and install benches and CCTV cameras, said the minister's office.