| Huge embezzlement detected in bunker constructions in Rajouri, Poonch | | Over Rs 40 Cr work executed without tenders | | RAJESH TANDON
early times report
POONCH, Feb 10: A huge embezzlement has allegedly been detected in construction of bunkers in Rajouri and Poonch districts where works over Rs 40 crores were executed without tenders and their payments were released by the Public Works (Road and Building) Department. Besides, substandard materials have been used in bunker construction.
Disclosing the bungling done by the concerned department, Dr Shazad Malik, renowned social worker informed the Early Times that Rs 415 crore were released by Government of India to Jammu and Kashmir Government for construction of community as well as individual bunkers in border districts.
"Out of Rs 415 crore, around Rs 250 crore were approved for Rajouri and Poonch districts and the areas for construction of bunkers were divided in three zones and first priority was given the areas within 0-1 kms along LOC, 0-2 kms and 0-3 kms," Dr Malik said.
He further said that the expense for one community bunker was fixed Rs 8.15 lakhs while Rs 2.65 lakhs for one individual bunker and tenders were floated but after six months, the process was withheld by the PWD Rajouri and Poonch.
"Later Department approached the GOI demanding enhancement in construction cost due to hilly areas and also demanded shifting of some bunkers' location due to some technical reasons thereby the GoI increased the amount for community bunkers to Rs 9.65 lakh," he informed.
Shockingly, the department shifted the bunkers more than permitted and the faulty construction was executed, he said further adding that substandard material was used in their constructions, there is no provision of lights has been put in place in the bunkers, which remained filled with water during rains.
He alleged that over Rs 40 crore works have been executed in both districts without tenders in violation of rules. "When we tried to find out the fact through RTI, no reply was given to us in this connection, which indicates that huge embezzlement of funds was done in construction of bunkers," he alleged
When Early Times contacted the DDC Poonch Rahul Yadav, he said that he would take action if he gets any written complaint on the issues.
He further said that the contractors refuse to work without release of payment. |
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