Sambalpur, July 11: The district administration has decided to develop 864 playgrounds in its pursuit to promote sports in the district.

Work on the development of around 200 playgrounds across the district began on Friday.

The playgrounds are being developed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

The project director of the district rural development agency, Jyoti Kumar Lakra, said: "We hope that the project will be over by September."

"The levelling work of the playgrounds will be carried out and football posts will be installed. Sand tracks will also be developed along with green fencing," Lakra said.

The block development officers has already been asked to identify government land for the development of playgrounds.

A sum of Rs 8 lakh has been earmarked for the project.

Of the total 864 playgrounds, 34 will be developed in Dhankauda block, 131 in Jamankira, 67 in Jujumura, 114 in Kuchinda, 124 in Bamra, 38 in Maneswar, 118 in Naktideul, 175 in Rairakhol and 63 in Rengali.

"Majority of the fields, which have been identified, are located close to village schools. The objective is to give students ground to play," said Shobhit Kumar Bishi, the co-ordinator of MGNREGS, Sambalpur.

"Steps have also been taken to ensure that those working on developing the playgrounds get their wage on time," said Shobhit.

He also said many labourers had also evinced interest to work in the project.

"The playgrounds are essential for the mental and physical growth of children. Due to absence of such areas, children denied to take part in sports, which to a great extent affect their mental ability. However, I am really happy that steps are now being taken to develop playgrounds in all the blocks of the district," said Binda Pradhan, a resident of Dhankauda.