Chhattisgarh Water Resources Minister Ravindra Choubey on Friday promised an inquiry into all construction work done by his department in Gariaband district in the last two years after members alleged irregularities and pledged stern action if wrongdoing was found.
On the last day of a four-day Monsoon session in the Assembly, the Minister was replying to a question by Congress member Dhanendra Sahu during Question Hour on the construction of minor and small stop dams, canals and other structures.
Sahu sought details of construction of a stop dam in village Girsul on the Taaljhor rivulet, the tender amount, the agency which did the work and how long the construction took. Sahu alleged that it was washed away in the very first spell of rain.
The MLA wanted to know if a probe was conducted and what action was initiated against the officers and employees responsible for it.
Minister Choubey said the stop dam was constructed for Rs 62.63 lakh by H P Construction and work was to be completed by May 8, 2018. The deadline was extended and work ended on January 25, 2019.
The Minister claimed that the stop dam was not washed away but it suffered damage as locals had made a temporary road, allowing excess water to flow through after heavy rains last year. This damaged the left bank by 4 metres.
The Minister insisted that this was immediately repaired.
Sahu countering it claiming that the damage was repaired on a war footing after he submitted his question in the House. Showing photographs of the repair work, he said the damage is being covered up and wrong information is being provided in the Assembly.
The Minister maintained that the main structure has not been damaged.
Sahu said that in all construction works no senior official held site inspection to ensure quality control as these were located in remote areas.
Other members also raised the issue of poor construction by the Water Resources Department, leading the Minister to promise an investigation and action where necessary.