Dhenkanal: Once it was a dumping yard emitting foul smell. Now, a visit to this spot means happy times and relaxation for mind, body and soul. On the side of Bhagirathi Sagar Nua Pokhari, the dumping yard has been turned into a beautiful park by the exceptionally engaging efforts of a 45-year-old resident, Surendra Kumar Swain alias Papu.
In the past, what had troubled Papu as a resident of the area was the foul smell of the dumping yard, polluting not just the nearby areas but also causing huge damage to air of the nearby Akhandalamani temple. He decided to get the patch of land cleared. For this, he approached the municipal authority. But his proposal was turned down.
Papu took the refusal in a positive spirit and then it dawned on him the idea of transforming the yard into a park.
He started working on his mission single-handedly. Every day he would come to the yard area and start clearing the garbage. On his own, he erected a boundary alongside the pond, spending from his hard-earned savings of Rs 25,000 that he made from his work with a cable TV network. Seeing what he did, more people joined him in due course of time.
Now the park boasts of a variety of plants. These include Nageswar Champa, rose, Ashoka, Neem, Bel and Ganjachulia, to name a few.
There are cement benches and a mandap for people to sit and enjoy the greenery. Children and the elderly are seen spending their time in the park, between 9am and 9pm.
Papu says the park would not have been completed but for the help of Jagadananda Das. “A green club has been formed with 15 dedicated members. The club is planting trees on the blank spaces in the town,” he adds.
He says it gives him immense pleasure as he sees people enjoying their time at a place where no one used to show up in the past. “It would be better if the municipality takes steps to illuminate the area,” he says adding that he has urged the municipal chairman to get the civic body do this.
