Taking cognisance of slow progress of work in disaster affected areas, State Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has called disaster affected districts’ irrigation departments for meeting in Secretariat on January 7 and public representative as well. The meeting would be convened in the presence of State Irrigation Minister.
Recently BJP MlAs met Chief Minster Vijay Bahuguna and alleged that no work in progress in disaster affected areas even after six months. They alleged that Uttarkashi safety wall (pushta) construction yet to begin in riverbeds which is full of mines.
They further alleged that due to goof up between officials and cabinet minister, the work has been delayed. If it continues then during rainy season in 2014 situation would be more serious and devastation would break all previous records.
Although CM had rejected their allegation by showing bunch of Government notifications, which were issued for the welfare of disaster affected areas of the State.
Seeing the tough stand of legislatures, who were adamant on their statements and reiterated that instead of countering it now Government should check with concerned district, so CM decided to call the meeting of the irrigation department officials. Earlier the meeting was called on January 3 but later it has been rescheduled for January 7.
Realising this CM has called six disaster affected districts district Magistrates (DM) namely Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Tehri, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar.
As we know that in Uttarkashi had received severe destruction in 2012 and houses, which were so called constructed over the sedimentation, were damaged like peck of cards. It had reminded some horror Hollywood movie.
Sources said that huge amount of mines are lying on riverbeds and if it continue then small quantity of water may bring havoc in coming days. Although irrigation department was asked to build safety wall but they have failed to execute the work because of official apathy.
Sources further said that no contractor is ready to clean the riverbeds or build the safety wall because a cabinet minister wants around 50 percent of their contract amount as commission from the contractors. For review meeting, CM has also instructed their official to call the affected areas public representative so that they can counter with irrigation department officials on the spot.
Sources said that CM Bahuguna, who was taking the matter very lightly by issuing Government notification, has got active especially after inception of Aam Aadmi party (APP) led State Government in Delhi.
Even Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal has earned public sympathy by implementing their two promises in last two days so CM Bahuguna is under pressure to deliver on ground.