‘Gardens’ on paper, dump site in reality in Porbandar’s Kutiyana

Civic officials in Porbandar’s Kutiyana have been accused of embezzling public funds intended for park development.

According to Kandhal Jadeja, the Samajwadi Party MLA from Ranavav-Kutiyana, sites marked as gardens on paper are used to dump garbage and graze cattle. 

In a letter to the municipal commissioner and the regional commissioner, Jadeja — who also attached photographic evidence — said he came by the information in a response to an RTI (Right to Information) application.

He said the RTI information reveals suspected misuse of funds, including:

• ₹20.62 lakh for a non-existent park and playground
• ₹10.08 lakh for a garden on Passwari Road
• ₹47,000 for a missing merry-go-round
• ₹8.30 lakh for questionable paving blocks and compound wall
• ₹20.62 lakh for another non-existent garden near Devangi Hotel

Jadeja has called for on-site investigations, collection of statements, and immediate punitive measures against all involved parties. He has also suggested that the president and members of the Kutiyana muncipality be disqualified for the upcoming elections, and all responsible parties should be held accountable, with the municipal records seized to prevent tampering. 

“It is suspected that the so-called park was never constructed, and the funds were embezzled. Concerns also arise about the alleged ongoing corruption in the maintenance of these parks and the expenditure on sports equipment,” he said. “If false bills were created for non-existent work, action should be taken against all involved, including contractors.” 

Coming amid a series of allegations of irregularities by civic administrators across Gujarat, Jadeja’s complaint highlights long-standing issues of mismanagement and corruption in Kutiyana municipality and elsewhere.

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