In a harsh reprimand of the Uttarakhand Government, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in its report on ‘Reconstruction of Infrastructure Post-2013 disaster in Uttarakhand’ has indicted the State Government for not being able to utilise more than Rs 2,500 crore out of total approved outlay of Rs 6,259.84 crore under Medium and Long Term Reconstruction (MLTR) package of Government of India. It was revealed in the report that out of approved outlay of Rs 6,259.84 crore, Rs 4,617.22 crore had been made available for implementation of projects by the State Government of which the implementing agencies could utilise a mere Rs 3,708.27 crore.
The MLTR package had been granted by the Government of India for reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and restoration of livelihood of the June 2013 disaster-affected population and areas.
The CAG, in its report, has castigated the Government for non-execution of many projects due to non-issue of administrative and financial sanctions. It has specifically mentioned that the State Government had not sanctioned funds for construction of ropeway between Gaurikund and Kedarnath. The CAG has also pulled up the work execution agencies of the State Government for not being able to complete the assigned works on time.
The CAG has also termed the status of Uttarakhand in terms of disaster preparedness unsatisfactory. It has pointed out that against targeted number of five Helidromes, 19 Heliports, 34 Helipads and 37 Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH), just 27 helipads-no MPH-had been constructed by UCADA. The report has mentioned that most of the activities under World Bank Aided Project for risk reduction of disasters and enhancing the capabilities of Uttarakhand Disaster Management Authority and other entities are yet to be taken up.
It has also blamed the State Government for setting into place no separate and centralised mechanism for supervision, monitoring and quality control of reconstruction works.
The report suggests that the State should strengthen State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) so that it is equipped to fulfil the responsibilities as stipulated in the disaster management Act. It also calls for strengthening financial management for preventing diversion and blockage of funds and ensuring timely release of funds for various projects.