Soro: Residents here have demanded a probe into the alleged embezzlement of several lakh of rupees at a palm oil plantation project undertaken under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in Talanagar panchayat under this block in Balasore district, a report said Monday.
Locals alleged the project came up in Haveligandatara and Alipur villages in this panchayat in 2015-17 at a plan outlay of Rs 13. 96 lakh.
However, due to alleged apathy and negligence of the officials of Horticulture Department it has now become non-existent. Palm saplings planted in the orchard have already vanished, they said.
Sources said the project was established in these two villages to produce quality palm seeds for producing edible palm oils. However, the negligence of the departmental official resulted in the destruction of planted trees, with the entire investment going down the drain.
After planting the trees the Horticulture Department official left the plantation site uncovered and also did not erect fences around it. As a result, many trees withered soon due to lack of care and water, while the remaining trees were consumed by stray cattle.
Except putting up a plaque near the site, the Horticulture Department has done nothing to bring up the saplings. The villagers claimed they have taken up the matter with the senior authorities of the department, but so far their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
PNN