Akhil Bharatiya Krusak Sabha State working president Sanatan Patra has alleged massive irregularities and corruption in the local Drainage Division and demanded a Vigilance inquiry into them.
Division 9 of the Drainage Division functioning in Puri district carried out renovation of old drains, dug news drains, constructed check dams and carried out dredging of river mouths. But these projects have failed to solve the basic problems despite crores of ruppes spent from the State exchequer. Patra alleged that the Junior Engineer of the division is carrying out estimates and labeling whimsically. Crores of rupees are being spent without estimate and labeling.
Concrete works were carried out in the drains connecting Rajua, Musanali, Dhanua , Kadua and Makara. Equipments and machinery was hired from outside the State and bills double than the estimated costs are being prepared and crores of rupees in being siphoned off.
The looted money is being shared by the engineers, contractors and political leaders, Patra alleged. Some of the engineers, including a Junior Engineer have been posted for a long time. They have turned corruption into a policy decision. Though various works were carried out to improve drainage, in the rainy season, the problems of water logging is still continuing.
When contacted, Puri Drainage Division Executive Engineer PK said, “I do not have any information, ask the Estimator.” later, when Bhubaneswar Division Superintendent Engineer Shailendra Nath Rath was asked, he said, “I am busy. I am moving to and fro the State Secretariat.” Nimapada Sub-Division SDO despite repeated attempts could not be contacted. It might be mentioned here that the Drainage Division functions under the Chief Minister. But despite the corruption in crores, the Vigilance Department is yet to wake from slumber and take action against the guilty officials, said Patra.