The neem tree at Turkaulia in Motihari which Nitish Kumar had promised to beautify. Picture by Ajit Kumar Verma

In January 2009, chief minister Nitish Kumar had assured people of beautification of some historical spots related to Mahatma Gandhi. Three years down the line, East Champaran is yet to see the promises turn into reality.

Nitish had pledged beautification of Neem ka Ped, Gandhi Ghat and Gandhi Smarak in Turkaulia, 13km west of Motihari, during his Vikas Yatra. He had also vowed to link these with the existing Buddhist circuit.

The tree is famous because the Father of the Nation used to listen to the problems of the indigo planters of the district under it. At that point of time, according to the rules, each farmer had to compulsorily grow indigo on three cottahs of land out of one acre.

During his stay in Turkaulia, Nitish had visited the historical tree and assured East Champaran residents of its beautification. After completion of formalities, the tourism department allotted Rs 25 lakh while Hindustan Petroleum came forward with an aid of Rs 3 lakh for the purpose.

According to sources, the beautification plan could not take off owing to embezzlement of funds. After repeated hue and cry, the tender process was started, but its results are yet to be seen. Sources added that the funds were misappropriated on the pretext of road repair.

Gautam Ghose, the district-planning officer, told The Telegraph: “The work was assigned to the rural works division (RWD), Dhaka, and the tendering process had started some time back.”

When contacted, Dhaka RWD executive engineer Kapileshwar Prasad said the tender for the work had been notified but it could be taken up only according to the revised estimate and technical sanction of the project. He said: “The work should have been allotted to the Areraj division as the place is under its jurisdiction.”

He, however, denied any embezzlement of funds and said there should be no politics in projects related with development in society.

The East Champaran district magistrate, Abhijit Sinha, could not be contacted for comment.

Turkaulia block RJD president Rajdeo Yadav said the announcements made by Nitish were eyewash, as the officials had become more powerful than the chief minister and were out to defeat every mission of the state government.