Sajanagad: An investigation was started into the alleged irregularities in a mega drinking water project in Nilagiri block of Balasore.
According to reports, the state government has allocated Rs 172 crore for a mega drinking water project for 19 panchayats in Nilagiri block. It is under construction.
Locals had alleged that there were irregularities in the project work as the contractor concerned compromised with the quality of work. Various works were notcarried out according to the scheme.
Former Nilagiri MLA Chittaranjan Sarangi had written to the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary, the 5T secretary and Balasore Collector about the irregularities May 3.
It was alleged that the contractor laid substandard underground pipes while pits for the underground pipes had not been dug upto stipulated depth. But the officials of the Panchayatiraj and Drinking Water Department did not monitor the work, it was alleged.
Junior engineer of the department, Subhalaxmi Mohant and a junior engineer of the construction agency started the investigation in the presence of villagers at Pranabandha village.
The investigation revealed that the pits for the pipelines had not been dug upto to required depth as prescribed in the project estimate.
However, villagers demanded similar investigation at other places too. The former MLA demanded a Vigilance investigation into the matter.
PNN
