Vigilance officials have begun investigation into a case of irregularities in the Horticulture Department. Besides going through files and documents, they visited the concerned village where the scam took place due to connivance between farmers and the department.
Vigilance officials searched for coconut trees which were planted by the selected farmers of Sadar block about two years ago. The farmers were not only given the 800 saplings but `60,000 each per acre for promotion of plantation.
The documents said 10 farmers were chosen in Rasalpur GP after the ATMA committee ratified the Gram Sambha’s selection. The farmers were to carry plantation on 30 acres of land.
Vigilance officials hardly found plants, and whatever they found, the plants were diseased.
Deputy Director of Horticulture OP Rath said the farmers were given all supports for coconut plantation, but during the Vigilance spot inspection hardly trees were seen.
“There is no provision if farmers don’t do anything even after availing promotion fund,” said he.