Statues of freedom fighters at Saheed Park in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Dec. 16: The gates of the Saheed Park may finally be opened to the visitors in the first week of January.

The Cuttack Municipal Corporation officials today took stock of the situation and instructed the engineers to complete installation of fountains at the earliest.

“We will complete all the pending works within a week. Hopefully the park will be opened to public by first week of January,” said civic body commissioner Gyana Das. All the issues that caused delay in completion of the works at the park were discussed at a review meeting held yesterday, Das said.

Officials have been asked to conduct a trial run of the three fountains installed in the park within two days. Workers will be engaged to clean the park.

In a report published on June 16, The Telegraph highlighted that the park had remained out of bound for the visitors since it was inaugurated in December last year.

The park houses fibre statues of personalities including, Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Chakhi Kuntia, Bir Surendra Sai.

“We have also decided to construct a temporary structure to protect the statues installed in the park. Adequate steps will be taken to ensure proper maintenance of the area,” Das said.

Residents alleged that the park was hurriedly inaugurated by the previous council much before the model code of conduct came into effect for the municipal elections that were held in February.

The cost of the entire project was estimated at Rs 20 lakh, while the proposals were mooted in 2005.

Municipal corporation officials said that over 90 per cent work for installation of fountains, pathways, statues, electrification was already complete.

It has decided to speed up the process of trial run of water fountains, electrification and creation of special garden inside the park.

“We have reviewed the pending works at the park and hopefully it will be opened for general public by next year,” said A. Sridevi, chairperson of municipal corporation standing committee on education, recreation and culture.

Residents said lack of coordination between various departments and agencies had been causing the delay in opening of the park.

“The Saheed Park located near LIC office at Nuapatna near Mangalabag is the sole recreation centre and so far it has remained out of bound for the visitors. Today, senior officials have visited the park and have assured to complete all pending works shortly,” said Sidhart Das, a resident.