US National Park Service launches cleanup of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after algae outbreak
Washington DC, June 19
Workers of the US National Park Service are urgently working to address an algae problem that has turned the water in Washington's famous Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool green.
The issue follows a USD 14 million renovation undertaken by the President Donald Trump administration, which aimed to give the pool a patriotic blue appearance in time for the country's 250th birthday celebrations. The President had criticised the previous administration for allowing the iconic landmark to fall into disrepair.
Crews are now responding by treating the water with hydrogen peroxide and using vacuums to remove the algae.
The problem is not a new one; algae has been a persistent challenge for the reflecting pool throughout its more than a hundred-year history.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been swamped by green algae just days after reopening the renovation project, prompting criticism from some local residents who questioned whether the expenditure represented a worthwhile use of taxpayer money.
The cleaning work comes after visitors arriving at the memorial this week were greeted by large patches of green algae covering sections of the newly refilled pool.
One local resident expressed frustration over the condition of the landmark, saying, "Making a mess of our Reflecting Pool is a big mistake."
Another visitor questioned the value of the renovation, stating, "I'm not crazy about the new design. It seems like they spent USD 14 million to redo this and just for it to look like this, which doesn't seem like the best use of taxpayer money."Despite the criticism, several longtime residents told ANI that algae outbreaks at the Reflecting Pool are not a new phenomenon and have occurred periodically for decades, particularly during warmer months.
The development comes as the Indian Embassy in the United States organised a yoga session at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, ahead of the International Day of Yoga on June 21.
India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, participated in the event along with a large number of attendees, highlighting the growing global engagement with yoga as a practice for health and well-being.
The session was part of a series of pre-event celebrations leading up to the International Day of Yoga, which is observed annually on June 21 following its recognition by the United Nations in 2014.
Participants performed various yoga asanas and breathing exercises at the site.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Typical America—overpromise, under-deliver with a hefty price tag. But honestly, algae has been a problem there for decades, so it's not surprising. What's inspiring is seeing our Indian embassy leading yoga right there! 🇮🇳 Shows the world how ancient practices are still relevant.
I hope they treat that water properly. Hydrogen peroxide is safe, but still—14 million dollars for a pool they can't maintain? In India, we'd have local volunteers with nets cleaning it in a day, no budget needed! 🤷♀️ The yoga angle is a beautiful contrast though—peace amidst chaos.
Can't believe they spent so much on a pond that turns green every summer. America needs to learn from our gurukuls—natural balance, not chemical fixes. Also, big shoutout to Ambassador Kwatra for that yoga session! Yoga at Lincoln Memorial, now that's soft power done right. ✨
Honestly, this is just a reflection of poor planning—pun intended 😉. But it's also a reminder that even iconic landmarks have maintenance issues. What warmed my heart is that right on that same spot, we did yoga. Unity in diversity, yaar. India's presence there was perfect timing.
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