Sunny K Singh, a 2018-batch IAS officer, has come up with a solution for all derelict and secluded buildings which become den of gamblers and drunkards. He ordered the dismantling of such a building at the main market in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, resulting in the creation of an amazing urban space cum park for common people. He named it ‘Aarambh’ since it represents a new beginning for many. The interesting part is that this park was made entirely out of items from that decrepit building.
Indian Masterminds interacted with the DC of Changlang, Mr Singh, who is now transferred to the Kra Daadi district, to learn more about it.
THE AARAMBH
Initiated five months ago, an innovative urban environment opened for the general public at Changlang’s main market on March 5, 2024. Mr Singh said, “This building was of no use, and many people started to even encroach on it. Some were trying to get an allotment there. Also, this space has been used by drug addicts and gamblers as it has been secluded.”
Interestingly, all of the waste items from the old building were incorporated as decoration with the themes of sports, wildlife, and election awareness. Benches were made from wood recovered from the building. Many beautiful structures have been created from the iron that has come out of the building.
Mr Singh finished such work in Miau town, where he constructed an incredible open space.
He said, “Since this was a market area, we did not have any such space there. But now there are beautiful spaces in the middle of the market where people can enjoy, walk, and do recreation. The total fund spent on this activity has been Rs 25 lakh. For this, we have untied funds. We also converged the fund with the District Mineral Foundation and many other schemes.”
SELF SUSTAINABLE MODEL
The entire model is self-sustaining. A canteen has been set up in the park to facilitate this purpose. The person in charge of the canteen will look after the space and keep it in good condition. There is no need to pay money to the administration or government for this. The canteen employs more than 15 workers.
Mr Singh said, “We have planned to carry out more such activities in the district.”
THE SPACE
The park has many activity-based places for common people as well as for creative persons.
Stage: A stage has been made for local artists, who often perform there and showcase their talent.
Themes: It has been designed around many themes. There are many outdoor posters and billboards put up here. All of these represent government schemes. Billboards for projects with limited penetration have been installed, and detailed information has been provided.
Along with this, billboards with messages of animals have also been put up to discourage hunting. There are also awareness campaigns regarding elections.
