With Children On Board, ‘Hansini’ Sails Along Keonjhar’s Renovated Pond

Bhubaneswar: Giggles and laughter of children resonated through the air of the recently-renovated pond in Keonjhar’s Reserve Police area here as they sailed on a boat introduced by the Keonjhar police. A pair of swan added to the fun, besides the traditional bamboo swings.

Speaking to Odisha Bytes, Koenjhar SP J N Pankaj said that they have kept their promise by getting this boat. “Around two weeks ago, we cleaned the pond and people were quite enthusiastic. It feels good looking at the kids playing around and rowing the boat,” he added.

It was the first boat ride for nine-year-old Raunak Hussain and the life jackets made it all the more fun. “We are enjoying every bit of it! My friends and I are really excited,” he said.

The pond, which was once a stinking pit of waste, has been transformed into a rainwater harvesting system.

The SP said people’s mindset might change after the fun rides introduced. “We will keep a check nonetheless,” he said.

The forces did ‘Shramdaan’ and turned the pond water crystal clear within three months. Every Sunday, around 50 volunteers would gather at 7 am to pull out the garbage which choked the water body.

Vivekananda Mohanta, father of one of the children, is only too happy with the development. “There was no place in the area for the children to play. I hope more children will now come out of their houses and play in the evening. The best thing is the life jacket provided during boating. In case of a mishap, the children can easily swim to safety,” he added.

Sweta Mishra