Reported by Avik Chakraborty
Dibrugarh: Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) Chairman and former MLA Rituparna Baruah has written to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma demanding an independent inquiry into the renovation works carried out at Mahatma Gandhi Sishu Udyan, popularly known as Khanikar Park, in Dibrugarh.
In his letter dated June 18, Baruah alleged that public funds spent on the project may have been misused and that the quality of work executed does not appear commensurate with the estimated expenditure.
Khanikar Park is one of Dibrugarh’s most prominent public spaces, serving as a major recreational and entertainment destination for children and families not only from the district but also from neighbouring areas.
The renovation and development works at the park were undertaken under the supervision of the Directorate of Housing and Urban Affairs (DoHUA), with an estimated project cost of approximately Rs 3 crore.
In his letter, Baruah acknowledged the Chief Minister’s initiative in undertaking the renovation of the park but said that numerous grievances and complaints have since been received from members of the public regarding the quality of work executed.
Citizens have expressed concern that the current condition and facilities of the park do not reflect the scale of public expenditure incurred on the project, raising serious questions about the utilisation of government funds and the overall execution of the work.
“Khanikar Park is a prominent landmark and a major entertainment destination for the children and families of Dibrugarh and neighbouring areas. The people deserve to know whether the funds allocated for its renovation have been utilised properly and transparently,” Baruah said on Thursday.
Elaborating on the specific complaints received from the public, Baruah said the work carried out at the park appeared far too limited for a project worth Rs 3 crore.
“As per the complaints received, only a few CCTV cameras were installed and some painting work was carried out. That is all that is visible on the ground. It is very difficult to reconcile this with an expenditure of approximately Rs 3 crore of public money,” he added.
He further said that, in view of the complaints received from the public, it was necessary for the government to order an impartial and independent inquiry into the matter.
“I have requested the Chief Minister to kindly direct an independent and impartial probe into the renovation works so that the truth is established and accountability is ensured,” he added.
The development comes amid growing public discontent over the condition of the park following its renovation.
Residents of Dibrugarh have reportedly raised concerns through various forums over the visible gaps between the funds spent and the quality of infrastructure and facilities delivered at the site.