Unbelievable Renovation of 105 year old Keonjhar SP office.
Four months of strenuous and meticulous work to restore the historical building of District Police Office (popular as SP office), Keonjhar to its original glory and beauty. This building is at least 105 years old (could even be older) so every care was taken not to tamper with its gracious heritage look, in fact, focus was on how to enhance its bygone beauty. This building used to be the Army HQ of the princely state of the Kendujhar Gadh during the British Raj. Hence, members of Royal family were duly consulted frequently on the various aspects during restoration. There is a marble statue in the campus of then king Maharaja Dhanurjay Narayan Bhanjdeo installed by Mr. D.A. McMillan, then state superintendent in 1916. D A McMillan is known for many reforms/development works in Keonjhar like first modern revenue settlement, construction of all-weather roads, bridge on Baitarni river, first motor, telephone lines etc. Named after this king, DN high school at Keonjhar is still one of the best schools of the district.
However to meet the new expectations of the current time new features have been added to this building.
Facilities
1. This building has been made “Divyang friendly” and a good ramp has been built for the especially abled people.
2. It has a good visitors room now having facility of comfortable seating arrangement, air coolers, clean RO water facility, free supply of papers/pen to write petition etc. .
3. This building has been made “breastfeeding friendly” by installing a small kiosk for nursing mothers. This kiosk has privacy, comfortable seat for visiting lactating mothers, a small cradle etc.
4. Neon lights sign has been installed on the existing tower in the campus.
5. A vast green lawn has been developed in front of the building.
6. Multiple “bottle palm” trees have been planted in front of the building.
7. Parking shed having huge space has been developed.
8. An old canon which was rusting in the reserve police line has been restored and with added carriage has been installed in the DPO campus. This canon is supposedly gifted by the royal family in the past to police. Going by its antique look and the engraving “Mallika Mallik Beg” it looks like very old Mughal era canon. However there is no authentic record available.
9. One canteen already existed but not functional has been made fully functional.
The objective of the restoration was to preserve our rich architectural heritage as well as make it more people friendly. We believe now this is one of the best looking heritage District police Office (SP office building) of India.
0 Comments