Changing perceptions

Surrounded by lush green trees, benches, swans, and rabbits strolling, the garden adjacent to Thane’s Wagle Police station is a sight to behold. Once a barren land, the now-green patch by the police station is the brainchild of the officers wanting to do more for the public.

An idea that was put to work before monsson, came to life just recently with civilians and officers alike chipping in to make the park a relaxing spot for all. Abiding by the saying, ‘when there is a will there is a way’, Senior Inspector A.S. Pathan from Wagle Station thought of beautifying the land to give respite to the children of the area as well as the ones coming to the station..

“Many couples come to the station, more often than not with children. While the parents are talking or arguing with the officers, it leaves the child alone, and at times frightened, inside the station. But when there is a garden, they have a distraction,” shares the officer.

While the aim was to do more for the society, Pathan elucidates that they hope to change the negative impact a police station has left on the minds of the people.

“Since childhood, children are scared into behaving well with threats of being sent behind bars. Such things leave a negative impact on the child and they are always jittery around a police station. So now, the children who will play here will grow up with a positive outlook towards police and stations,” states the inspector.

With baby steps and public cooperating, a pond is being constructed for the swans, rabbits are included in the family and the lawn is looked after keeping it spick and span. Pathan is of the view that once the public recognises good work being done around them, they always come forward.

“From public to my staff and even the officers took a keen interest working on it. No particular work is assigned to anyone, whoever finds a missing piece, places it,” explains Pathan.

And now, such has the fondness among the officials and garden animals grown, that when an officer walks into the garden, the rabbits scurry  towards them. However, the highlight of the area is their selfie wall — earlier covered by piles of unclaimed cars and bikes eating dust.

“Our CP (Commissioner of Police) sir guided us on getting the wall cleaned and make it presentable. We got the wall coloured and placed the pots. But it was the guy from the nursery who got so happy with the arrangements that he painted the pots in the colours of Indian flag making it a perfect selfie spot,” he concludes with a laugh.