Engineers of urban local bodies misappropriating funds for developent of civic amenities like roads, sewer and water lines will be booked under the National Security Act.
The state government has directed Divisional Commissioners, Municipal Commissioners and Vice-chairpersons of urban development authorities to launch a month-long sanitation drive in urban areas for ensuring cleaning of drains, parks and public places and also to ensure repair of small and big drains to ensure smooth flow of sewage.
The direction was issued by Chief Secretary Deepak Singhal on Wednesday while chairing a meet to review the progress of `Swacch Bharat Missan Yojna’ at Yojana Bhawan on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioners, Vice-chairpersons of urban development authorities and Municipal Commissioners.
Chief secretary said that strict action be taken against Assistant Engineers and Junior Engineers of municipal bodies and urban development authorities in case of damage to sewers and water lines within 10 years of construction. He said the engineers be penalized for misappropriation of public money and they be booked under the National Security Act.
He directed officiclas to fix responsibility of concerned officials for heaps of garbage and non disposal of urban filth and damaged drains.
District Magistrates and Commissioners were directed to conduct surprise inspections in urban areas and establish direct contact with the people. Thye were asked to act against employees and officers of urban local bodies who were lax in discharge of their duties. Chief Secretary stressed that special attention be given for sanitation in slum areas..
Singhal directed officers of urban development authorities, particularly the Allahabad Development Authority that roads be widened and all roadside drains be repaired. He said for power distribution, underground cables be laid and adequate arrangements be made for street lights.
The top official also directed his juniors to ensure construction of roads and street lights in all primary schools and warned officers of seious action if road constructed by any department was found to be damaged. He said fundamental changes should be visible in urban and rural areas by January next.
Singhal said that under Swacch Bharat Missan, proposals of Rs 200 croere have been send to the Centre which include a project of Rs 49 crore for solid waste management in Varanasi and another for Rs 72 crore for Meerut.