Nov. 13: After a decade-long neglect and missing a couple of deadlines, a new-look Tarun Ram Phukan park will finally be reopened to the public at Bharalumukh on January 23.

The chairman of the steering committee constituted for the renovation and maintenance of the park, Dhiren Baruah, said the date for the park’s reopening has been set to coincide with the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Tarun Ram Phukan, after whom it is named.

Baruah said the decision was taken at an executive meeting of Save Guwahati Build Guwahati — the voluntary organisation that helped renovate the park — yesterday.

“Already 80 per cent of the work has been completed and only renovation of the pond and some painting are left,” Baruah said.

An eight feet life-size bronze statue of Tarun Ram Phukan, one of the greatest freedom fighters of Assam, sculpted by Biren Sinha, has already been installed in the park.

The government had handed over the park to the NGO for its renovation under the supervision of Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA).

Dispur had also constituted a steering committee, comprising members of the NGO and prominent citizens of the locality, with a view to involve the residents in the development and subsequent maintenance of the park.

The state government had released Rs 25 lakh for the renovation of the park, while the corporate sector, including the State Bank of India, contributed Rs 2.15 lakh.

Baruah said Coca-Cola has pledged Rs 5,000 per month towards the electricity charges of the park.

The renovation included construction of pathway, earth filling, electrification, fountains, landscaping and benches.