Paradip: The 20,000sqm golden jubilee park has been thrown open for the residents of Paradip port township.

A large number of people are seen thronging the recreational zone.

The park was earlier home to the spotted deer. The deer park was then a major tourist attraction. But, the 1999 supercyclone had ravaged the park and left the deer dead.

The old park has been renovated and thrown open for people with a new look. Paradip port funded the renovation project.

"The port would do its level best, so that the serenity and beauty of the Golden Jubilee Park remains intact," said Paradip Port Trust chairman Rinkesh Roy.

"The inaugurated park has a popular hangout zones where children can play, adults can exercise and the elderly socialise. One can breathe in peace here from the hustle and bustle of the city," said local resident Rashmi Ranjan Routray.

"The park has been rebuilt beautifully, but the authorities should make the effort to maintain it. It is often found that public parks become havens for drug addicts. I hope this one doesn't turn into such a place in the future," said Ayashkant Ray, another local resident.