Nimapara: Local villagers Friday levelled allegations of severe irregularities in a drinking water pipeline laying work in Puri district.
According to sources, the work is underway on a nearly 400-metre long stretch starting from Umamaheswarpur to Madhiberhampur at Kalapanchana panchayat under Nimapara block in the district.
Funds of Rs 6,00,000 was provided through Kalapanchana panchayat for the purpose. The contractor concerned has used low quality of PVC pipes by flouting government norms, some villagers alleged.
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Even though there are guidelines by the state Public Health Department for digging trenches of at least three feet deep, the contractor has dug only 5-6 inches instead, the villagers added.
Some local villagers of the panchayat namely Subash Chandra Lenka, Sushant Kumar Patra, Shabit Khan and Sharat Kumar Giri have alleged that the pipeline laying work is being carried out sans tendering.
They warned of agitation in the days ahead if an inquiry is not conducted by the state Vigilance department. The villagers will also take the matter to Puri Collector Samarth Verma, Secretary of State Panchayati Raj department and 5T Secretary VK Pandian as well, they warned.
On being contacted, Block Development Officer (BDO) Manoj Kumar Behera said, “I have ordered junior engineer (JE) Pinki Mohanty for an immediate probe in this connection followed by necessary action.”
PNN
