The work is not being done as per estimates. The stone packing will not be durable. The contractor and the irrigation officials have forged a nexus and compromised on the quality of work
Rupsa, July 1: The Rs 8-lakh stone packing work by the irrigation department at Dubudubi ghat in Kasaphala panchayat near Troilokpurnath under this block of Balasore is allegedly being botched up and locals fear the money will go down the drain.
Residents pointed out that the sub-standard work will not be able to withstand the floods this monsoon while alleging an unholy nexus between the contractor and the irrigation officials.
They have also warned of an agitation to press for a Vigilance probe into the irregularities if the contractor does not execute the work properly.
Residents like Managobinda Mandal, Nimain Patra, Kamalakant Behera and Narayani Patra said that the river banks in the area have been facing erosion.
People from some villages had repeatedly raised the issue of strengthening the banks at panchayat level. Taking note of the issue, the irrigation department sanctioned Rs 8 lakh for the project. A contractor from Basta area was awarded the work.
“The work is not being done as per estimates. The stone packing will not be durable. The contractor and the irrigation officials have forged a nexus and compromised on the quality of work,” a local said.
Sarpanch Bijya Kumar Bhuyan, samiti member Baidyanath Manna and other people’s representatives have strongly opposed such work.
The sarpanch said,”A layer of earth is laid and stones are placed on it. Small stones are being used instead of bigger ones. Fund is being misutilised by diluting the stone packing. This work will not protect the river bank.”
Junior engineer of the irrigation department Rabindra Kumar Datt said that the allegation is being looked into. “The contractor has been asked to carry out work as per the plan estimate,” he added.
PNN