But that's all, hopefully, in the past now. The Mira-Bhayander Municipal Council (MBMC) has decided the clean up the pond and convert it into a health club complete with a swimming pool, library and a small children's park. MBMC vice-president Arun Kadam said offers would be soon invited from private parties for the Rs 2-crore project. "The proposal will be placed before the next General Body meeting of the council scheduled for April 20," he said. Under a BOT (built-operate-transfer) arrangement, the developer would be allowed to commercially exploit the area around the pool.

"After a previously agreed period of time the developer would return the entire property to the MBMC," Kadam added.

So, it's about time to remove a boardthat was put near the pond by the residents. It reminded people that the road to crematorium was to the right. Their concern was justified. Local police have fished out over 150 bodies from the pond in the last two decades. There were many, residents suspect, that were never found. Several of them recount experiences of waking up in the morning to find a body floating in the pond. "It had become such a common sight...the crowd, the police panchnama. It all used to happen with such sickening regularity. I hope all this will stop now," said a resident.

Only a month back, a youth's body was found in the pond. Police said it was a case of suicide. A jilted lover who got drunk and and then probably took the fatal jump into the pond.

Retired railway employee S B Patil, who has been staying opposite the pond for the last 40 years, said: "Till not very long ago we used to drink the pond water. It's all changed now...anti-socials seem to find it convenient to dump their kills here. The bodies surface monthslater...the stench is unbearable."

Police too have welcomed the MBMC plan. For them, perhaps, it's one beat less.