Keonjhar: Setting yet another example of how dedication can do wonders, Keonjhar Police restored the historical building of the District Police Office (SP Office) to its original glory and beauty after four months of strenuous and meticulous work.
“The 105-years-old building, used to be the Army Headquarters of the princely state of Kendujhar Gadh during the British Raj,” informed Keonjhar SP, J. N. Pankaj. “Members of the royal family were duly consulted during the restoration process,” Pankaj said.
There is a marble statue of Maharaja Dhanurjay Narayan Bhanjdeo installed by D. A. McMillan, the then state superintendent (1916) in the campus. “He is known across the district for his commendable development work in Keonjhar. He built the first modern revenue settlement, all-weather roads, the bridge on the Baitarani River, the first motor and telephone lines among others,” Pankaj added.
However, development is a continuous process and has to go hand-in- hand with the changing times, Pankaj believes. Hence, the restored building has the following new features:
The building is ‘Divyang friendly’ and a new ramp has been built for the specially-abled people.
The visitors’ room is more spacious with comfortable seating arrangements, air coolers, clean RO water facility, free supply of papers/pen to write a petition, etc.
The building also has a special kiosk for breastfeeding by nursing mothers. The kiosk also has a small cradle along with seating arrangements.
Neon lights have been installed on the existing tower in the campus.
The building now has a vast green lawn in front and multiple ‘bottle palm’ trees have been planted.
The parking space has been made more spacious and the canteen has been made fully functional.
An old canon which was rusting in the reserve police line has been restored and has been installed in the DPO campus with an added carriage. “This canon was supposedly gifted by the royal family sometime in the past,” Pankaj said.
The objective of restoration, Pankaj said, was to preserve the rich architectural culture our state has. “We also aimed at making it people friendly. We believe that this is probably of the best heritage District Police Offices of India if we go by appearance,” Pankaj further said.
