Keonjhar: DMF Gram Udyan to Provide Recreation Spaces in Mining Affected Areas

Keonjhar: To provide quality open and recreation spaces especially the mining affected areas of the Keonjhar, Gram Panchayat level parks & Children Play Areas are planned to be implemented in 92 mining affected Gram Panchayats of the District.

Existing Rural Open Spaces along an existing Water Body/Pokhari/Tank and Local Ecological Tourist locations are preferred for this exercise serving purposes of development of open spaces as well as protecting local waterbodies from degradation and pollution.

DMF Gram Udyan is to have components of walking pathway, outdoor gym area & equipment, children play area and equipment, local arts performance stage, gardens with seasonal plants and flower beds, yoga & meditation spaces, decorative gazebo, seating spaces, tea café and rainwater recharge structure. Along with the children play equipment, mud and sand playing areas for sensory development of children to be included. For community entertainment acts and local art performances, a performance stage with a background wall, green room and a roof structure is to be provided. Reflexology track for acupressure healing exercises through river pebble studded walkway to be planned along with provision of space for Yoga.

Landscaping with natural Grass, Flower Plants (locally available), decorative shrubs along with Cast Iron Garden benches or decorative benches to be developed as sitting areas in the park. An octagonal Gazebo with RCC framed structure and tiled roofing is provided at the centre of the Park as a decorative sitting and a rain-shade shelter. Along the gazebo an art installation with Panchayat name would be installed.

For protection of existing water bodies, waterfront with walkways, geen trellis arcade, protective railings, approach ghats, seating spaces etc. will be designed. Safety railing to be provided all along the water body for safety of children and people at the waterfront. Bearing in mind the social connect of people and the water body, approach Ghats allowing accessibility to ritualistic activities and space for such rituals shall be designated.

According to Keonjhar Collector Ashish Thakare, “The initiative will create joyous environment among kids in rural areas, enhance quality of life and provide recreational activities for all age groups in remote part of Keonjhar. Separate arrangements for Solid Waste Disposal, Washing Clothes, Bathing, Idol immersions shall be made. Rainwater recharge Structures to be designed for recharge of storm water runoff from the park”.

Local ecological tourist attractions will be provided with rejuvenated additional facilities of Gardens, Walkways, Children Play Area, Seating Spaces and Toilets.