The District Aadibasi Kalyan Sangha (DAKS) led by its president Gobardhan Bhua gave a memorandum to Bargarh district Collector on Monday highlighting the low standard of work of MI Division at Tenganapali under Gaisilet Block.

The minor irrigation project work at Tenganapali has been started at a cost of Rs 86.40 lakh.

The aim of the project is to make a water conservative point (pond) for irrigation of 100 acres of land. But since the tender has been issued to a politically-affiliated contractor, he has been compromising with the standard without fear of anybody.

The DAKS alleged that no action has been taken against the contractor despite allegation of poor standard of work.  For the development of rural people and agriculture, the Government has been giving huge amount of funds through NABARD to such projects. But here the Nabard guidelines are totally violated, the association said.

The Sangha also alleged that all check dams under Padampur division are of a low standard. The DAKS said that the contractor managed to do this because of his political link and nexus with corrupt officials. It demanded stringent action against all those involved in the scam and a Vigilance probe into the matter. The members threatened that should the administration not take action in seven days, they will ghereao the MI Division at Padampur.

Among others, Dharmaraj Bariha, Pandab Bariha, Makhanu Bariha, Miniketan Dhurua, besides hundreds men and women, were present.