Project Na-Pukhuri

THE NA-PUKHURI : INTRODUCTION

The Na-Pukhuri or the cluster of nine ponds is situated at the South-Eastern corner of Tinsukia Town. A great historical monument of the Muttock Kingdom ( 1788 – 1842 ), it was constructed during the reign of the last Muttock King Sarbananda Singha ( 1788 – 1805 ). It was during his times that many other beautiful tanks and ponds in and around his capital city Bengmara (nowTinsukia) were created.

The Central pond among the cluster of ponds is the main attraction of the Na-Pukhuri. It is such vast tank with natural water (area: 11.75 acres) that it can be very conveniently be called a lake. It is thought that , at least, with some improvisation, it can be made into a beautiful lake and the surrounding area can be turned into an amusement spot for all age group of people. For long , the beautiful landscape around the central pond or tank ( total are 23.80 acres) was lying in a very pitiable state.

Owing to its location, scenario and aesthetic potential, Tinsukia district administration decided to turn the ancient monument into an ideal park or amusement spot or even a tourist spot of the North East. It was also thought ,that apart from its glorious cultural and historical background, the attraction of the place can be enhanced considerably by adding modern facilities like swimming, water sports or luxury boating for visitors/tourists.

PROJECT NA-PUKHURI

NA-PUKHURI is a historical cultural and architectural monument from the days of the muttack King Sri Sarbananda Singha. The District Administration has started the noble and ambitious Project to renovate Na-Pukhuri and to convert it into a beautiful amusement park catering to all age groups of people. Accordingly a steering committee was formed during November 1999 under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner and leading citizens as members.
The Project has been developed at a cost of approximately Rs.65.00 Lakhs with the help of private contributions. Governmentfunds among others.

The initiatives taken for the beautification of the park are as follows :
1.	The boundary wall of the park has been constructed to prevent encroachments/tresspassing and cattle grazing
2.	A beautiful entrance gate for the park has been constructed. The gate represents a blending of both traditional and modern architecture and is quite attractive.
3.	Around 1200 metres of pucca path way has been constructed all around the central pukhuri for the morning walkers. This has also included around 400 metres of tiled path way.
4.	A lot of plantation has been done around the central pukhuri.
5.	Childrens park has also been developed and a lot of playing equipments have been put in place.
6.	To add to its beauty and glamour a tripple cascade fountain have also been put in the middle of the central pukhuri. The water goes as much as 42 feet high and beautiful colours are dislayed near the base of the fountain which enhances its beauty.
7.	All around the park the pathway has been well lit with lantern type light and flood lights have also been put in place. All this lightening has been done by Crompton Greaves.
8.	To make the visit of a Tourist to this park a memorable one, a channel system has also been installed inside the park with over 100 speakers installed on various trees controlled by a central music system

A BRIEF NOTE ON NA-PUKHURI

IN THE YEAR 1788 A.D. AFTER THE MOAMARIA UPRISING MEZERA THE POWERFUL LEADER PRO-CLAIMED INDEPENDANCE AND ESTABLISHED THE MUTTACK KINGDOM WITH ITS FIRST CAPITAL AT RONGAGORA AND TOOK THE NAME "SARBANANDA SINGHA". THE MUTTACK KING HAS DUG 24 TANKS AT VARIOUS PLACES IN HIS KINGDOM. NA-PUKHURI WHICH WAS DUG IN 1792 A.D. IS THE LARGEST AMONGST THESE TANKS. IT IS SITUATED IN TINSUKIA TOWN SHEET NO.12 COVERED BY DAG NO. 4951. ITS TOTAL AREA IS 35B-2K-14LS. ALONGWITH THE OTHER SMALLER TANKS THE WHOLE LAND AREA COMPRISES 72B-2K-19LS.

THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WITH UTMOST EFFORT TRANSFORMED THE PARK AROUND THE TANK TO ITS SPARKLING BEST AND HAS RENAMED IT AS "MARUT NANDAN KANAN" IN MEMORY OF THE FATHER OF THE MUTTACK KING SARBANANDA SINGHA