 Ajay Sharma
Early Times Report
NOWSHERA, Jan 7: Although lakhs of rupees have been spent on cleaning of Thumba Nahothi and Nala canal, the core issue with canal network, however remains unresolved. Irrigation Department of Division Nowshera and Sub Division Seot in Rajouri spent lacs on cleaning and de-silting of the canals, but ignored the basic problem of the canal, which is in dilapidated condition.
Talking to Early Times, an official wishing anonymity said that the Irrigation Department had floated tenders for cleaning of the canals.
“The basic idea of floating tenders for cleaning of a canal is useless and wastage of public money, because the canals are completely damaged and require immediate renovation,” said the official.
The official said that few months back, the department again got the work of cleaning of the canals done through a tendering process and the payment for the same has also been released, which is close to over one lakh rupees.
“Work has been done and payment released, but the million dollar question arises what is the fun of cleaning a canal, which is completely damaged,” questioned the official, adding that there is no bed and embankment of the canal for at least 50 meters, which requires immediate repairs, but the department is busy wasting money on dredging and de-silting.
The locals also expressed surprise over the wisdom of the Irrigation department and said how the irrigation department is wasting public exchequer, instead of using it judiciously.
They alleged that this mismanagement is due to dereliction of duties of junior engineers, who were otherwise supposed to be at the site at the time of floating of tenders.
The locals said that there are many daily wagers working in the department, but instead of putting them on the work of cleaning, higher ups are outsourcing the cleaning work, which is beyond their comprehension.
They have appealed to LG to look into the matter and fix the responsibility of loss to the public exchequer and also demanded strict action against officers.
When contacted, Chief Engineer Irrigation Department said that he will repair the canal by diverting some amount of funds.
When asked how the cleaning process is initiated on a damaged canal, the Chief Engineer disconnected the call. |
