Keonjhar: Police on Sunday launched a boating facility for children at Police Colony here as part of its community-friendly initiative.

The Telegraph, in its August 10 edition ("This time, police save a pond") reported how the police had volunteered labour to restore the pond that dates back to the days of the British Raj.

"The pond was lying abandoned and polluted. Today (Sunday), we dedicated the water body to the children of the localities by introducing the boat joyride and traditional bamboo swing," said Keonjhar superintendent of police Jay Narayan Pankaj.

The boat ride is free for children with a boatman deployed for safety. And the tiny tots made the most of the opportunity with many children wearing safety jackets jumping into the boats for their turn.

The pond has also become an abode for swans and added to the beauty of the water body, Pankaj said.

"The pond and its surroundings have become attractive. With its serene environs, it has given the children a place to play," local resident Rasanand Mahanta said.

"We used to be repulsed by the pond only a few days ago. It was a dumping ground and stagnant water a breeding for mosquitoes. However, the police have restored the place and given us a pleasant location to spend our leisure time. We are thankful to them."

It took three months of voluntary labour by policemen right from the gram rakshis to the officers for the environment-friendly project to take final shape, said the police superintendent.

Pankaj said: "Apart from the shram dan (voluntary labour), we spent money from the district police welfare fund to beautify the surroundings."

"It gives us pleasure to see the children making merry and enjoying their new playground. Our endeavour has paid dividends," Pankaj added.