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| Political pressure, interference mars spirit of irrigation canal project | | |
Ajay Sharma
KATRA, Aug 3: It is a saga of typical political interference marring the spirit and purpose of development work that was sought to bring some relief to the masses for having an irrigation canal by the side of their habitations. Instead of bringing any respite, the villages in Nowshera in Sunderbani face a situation of deluge during rainy season as the project is suffering from acute 'error', thanks to lopsided imagination of the concerned officers who acted on the instructions of political bosses which has turned it futile years after it was executed.
In 2004 the project of carving out an irrigation canal from village Thumba to Lower Gharain to Nahoti got executed only to tumble half way. While the concerned authorities conducted a proper survey of the areas from where the canal had to pass through, this was reversed and the course completed changed later allegedly due to pressure of ex minister Dr Ramesh Sharma, ex-sarpanch Mohan Lal and the then DE Nowshera Arun Raina. What purpose it served them is something which is being questioned by the villagers whose houses and crops got damaged again only two days back when the water from adjoin nullah entered their houses .
Sources said that due to political interference the project has been left halfway as the amount which was earmarked initially is facing cost overrun factor. This is primarily due to the fact that the course and direction of the survey was completely reversed as a result of which the entire amount was spent on cutting a hillock that came from Upper Gharain course , just the opposite direction of Lower Gharain village. The project which was estimated to be completed in just four years with entire expenditure and other estimates done up, has not been able to move ahead even half way after 8 years, sources said.
As the project stands halted for one or the other requirement towards which the Government is paying no heed at present, it is the people of adjoining areas who are suffering badly on multiple fronts. One that they have not got any benefit of the project as yet and more than this it is the flow of water which gets swelled in small rivers in the area which damages their crops and enters their houses in rainy season as it happened two days back. The concerned authorities at present are simply raising their hands in the matter and showing helplessness in providing any relief to people. While the ruling leaders of either of the allies are unconcerned , it is the local leaders from PDP who are showing some sympathy and concern in seeking compensation at least in lieu of damages to people. |
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