Siliguri, 26th June: A park constructed at an estimated cost of ₹9.17 lakh on encroached road space in Ward No. 41 of Siliguri was demolished by the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Friday, following allegations of misuse of public funds and complaints from local residents.
According to local residents, the so-called park consisted of little more than a fenced enclosure with only a handful of plants, despite the substantial expenditure incurred on its construction. They alleged that the project amounted to a waste of public money and had created additional problems in the locality.
Residents further claimed that since the construction of the park, even light rainfall had resulted in waterlogging in the surrounding area.
On Friday morning, newly appointed SMC Commissioner Bir Bikram Rai visited the area adjacent to ISKCON Temple Road and inspected the structure. After reviewing the site, he directed that the park be demolished. Subsequently, SMC workers used a JCB machine to remove the structure.
Local residents alleged that the park had been constructed in the name of beautification despite there being no actual need for it. They claimed that the project had reduced the width of the road and worsened drainage problems in the area.
Residents also raised questions regarding the role of former Ward No. 41 councillor Shivika Mittal in the construction of the park.
Meanwhile, sources in the municipal corporation said that a Trinamool Congress party office had also been constructed by encroaching on road space adjacent to the demolished park. According to sources, eviction proceedings could be initiated against the party office as well after due notice is served in accordance with regulations.