TEZPUR, Feb 2 - The people of greater Phulaguri-Bahumari area under Phulaguri Panchayat in Rangapara LAC of Sonitpur district are annoyed over the alleged move to shift the 30-bed Community Health Centre (CHC/Model Hospital) to Ghoirali area, which has been identified as a very insecure site for the project.
It may be mentioned here that in 1993, during the tenure of the then Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia, a multi-crore project for the said healthcare centre was started in the area to cater to the health needs of the economically backward people of the greater area.
However, following alleged anomalies in regard to sanctioned funds by the contractors engaged in the project, coupled with red-tapism of the departments concerned, including PWD (Building) and the Health Department, the poor people�s big-budget project could not be completed, and has in fact remained a non-starter.
Meanwhile, during the last by-poll in Rangapara LAC, the Minister for Health announced before the residents of Phulaguri area that the community health centre (CHC) which had been lying in a state of stupor, would soon be revived.
However, people of the area mentioned that as the present location has been identified as an elephant corridor and was therefore obviously very insecure, the Health Department along with the common public of the greater area resolved to shift the project to Hatipukhuri Gaon under Phulaguri Panchayat as it is a convenient place from every angle.
In this connection a public function was organised on January 27 to lay the foundation stone of the big-budget project which was attended by Minister Pijush Hazarika. However, some vested interest people interrupted the entire programme, thereby leading to postponement of the scheduled function.
�Some people with vested interest have been trying to shift the CHC to Ghoirali Tea Estate. We have observed that many unsavoury incidents have taken place in this area in recent times, which indicates that if the hospital is set up there, nobody along with the medical staff would be safe,� people of the area opined, adding that �some illiterate but politically motivated people of Goirali Tea Estate area have been trying to create an awkward situation so that the project does not get started.�
They also expressed total annoyance over Member of Parliament Pallab Lochan Das� doubtful role in this regard and urged personal intervention of Minister for Health, Education and Finance Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. When contacted, the district administration and the Joint Director of Health Services stated that the present location would in all probability be the best choice for all and hence the hospital will be named Phulaguri Model Hospital/CHC.