Jhumpura: Thousands of residents of villages under Jhumpura block alleged irregularities in construction of check dams and expressed their discontent.
Though, the government is pumping in crores of rupees for developmental projects, villagers here are not able to get the advantage of the developmental projects done, thanks to low standard work by the concerned departments, contractors and engineers who bungle away all the allocated funds.
In most cases, construction expenses exceed the estimated cost after which contractors and engineers do not even cross the path of the project and are never seen in the project site. A case in point is the plight of the minor irrigation project department in Jhumpura.
The minor irrigation department had taken up the construction of check-dams to stop the excess flow of water from canals and rainwater to prevent soil erosion. So, the farmers of nearby areas were to be benefitted by those check-dams but the check-dams in these areas have been under-construction for years. They are yet to be completed, spreading resentment among the farmers.
Although, the project was started with a good aim, farmers here are yet to reap the benefits. Three check-dams on Kashia canal are under-construction at Kuldiha and Dehuripasi in Jhumpura block.
As per sources, Rs 25 lakh had been sanctioned by the government for each check-dam. The check-dams work is nearing to completion. But the villagers alleged that no information plaque about the project has been put up.
When concerned engineer of the minor irrigation department, Sri Jena, was asked about this he chose not to reply and evaded the question. However, minor irrigation department engineer of Keonjhar said he will investigate on this matter.
PNN