A park project in the town under AMRUT scheme was stalled by the people’s representatives after the local residents vehemently opposed the move of the Baleswar Municipality.
For the said park while Rs 1.2 crore was earmarked, a patch of land measuring eight acres in Badakhua belonging to the ward no 1 and 2 was identified for the purpose. Besides developing a park, there was a plan to renovate a water tank in the area and create boating and an amusement facility.
Although the land belongs to the fallow kisam, yet currently it is under the possession of unauthorized settlers. About 200 families have been residing on the patch of land and a pportion of it is being used as playground for a private college.
However ever since the municipality undertook the project, the people have been opposing it. After around 200 women approached local MP RK Jena registering their protest, the latter visited the patch accompanied by the local MlA JP Dash, Municipality Chairman Alok Das and other district level officials to take a decision on the issue.
After going through the map and hearing grievances of the poor and distress residents, Jena opined not to press for the park project in the patch of land and urged the concerned officials to look for another land.
Jena said, “The patch of land is being used by about 2,000 people now. Although they are unauthorized settlers, yet a park for amusement of people can’t be built by demolishing the residential houses. Further, a portion of land is being used as playground of a private college. The conversion would deprive the college students of holding games. Above all, the patch of land is not a suitable location to accommodate a park.”
Sub-Collector RR Palta, Tehsildar RR Rout and municipality officials were present during discussion with the villagers.
The Tehsildar said, “The project in the Badakhua patch has been abandoned. We are looking for other suitable site. We could take it up near the vacant land near the BEd College. The land is under Home Department and we would strive to bring it under municipality.”