HT Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, June 25: Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) Chairman and former MLA Rituparna Baruah has sought an independent inquiry into the renovation of Mahatma Gandhi Sishu Udyan, popularly known as Khanikar Park, in Dibrugarh, alleging possible misuse of public funds in the execution of the project.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 18, Baruah requested an impartial investigation into the renovation works carried out under the Directorate of Housing and Urban Affairs (DOHUA).
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The project was reportedly undertaken at an estimated cost of approximately ₹3 crore.
Khanikar Park is one of Dibrugarh’s most prominent recreational spaces, frequented by children and families from the district and neighbouring areas.
While acknowledging the Chief Minister’s initiative in undertaking the park’s renovation, Baruah said several complaints had been received from members of the public regarding the quality of the work executed.
According to him, residents have questioned whether the existing infrastructure and facilities at the park are commensurate with the reported expenditure, raising concerns over the utilisation of government funds.
“Khanikar Park is a prominent landmark and a major recreational destination for the people of Dibrugarh. The public deserves transparency regarding the utilisation of funds allocated for its renovation,” Baruah said.
Referring to the grievances received, he claimed that only limited work, including the installation of a few CCTV cameras and painting, was visible at the site despite the project costing nearly ₹3 crore.
He said the visible improvements appeared disproportionate to the reported expenditure and warranted an independent assessment to establish whether the funds had been utilised appropriately.
Seeking accountability, Baruah urged the Chief Minister to order an impartial inquiry into the execution of the project so that the facts could be established and public confidence maintained.
The demand comes amid growing public concern over the condition of the renovated park, with several residents reportedly questioning the quality of infrastructure created under the project and calling for greater transparency in the utilisation of public funds.
