BUXAR MUNICIPAL COUNCIL EO SUSPENDED

BUXAR MUNICIPAL COUNCIL EO SUSPENDED

24-JUNE-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR------------------------------Taking serious action regarding an administrative lapse during Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary's visit to Buxar, the Urban Development and Housing Department has suspended Kumar Ritwik, the Executive Officer (EO) of the Buxar Municipal Council, with immediate effect. The department took this step due to allegations that necessary arrangements for the safe landing of the Chief Minister's helicopter at Kila Maidan were not made and that adequate water was not sprinkled to control dust.

According to reports, Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary's helicopter was scheduled to land at the historic Kila Maidan in Buxar on May 23. Although the administration had constructed a helipad there, insufficient watering of the ground prior to the landing caused massive clouds of dust to rise as the helicopter descended. The situation became so critical that the pilot had to attempt the landing three or four times; however, visibility was severely hampered by the dust, making a safe landing impossible. Consequently, the administration decided to land the helicopter at the airstrip in Nai Bazar instead.

Viewing the incident as a case of serious administrative negligence, District Magistrate Sahila constituted an inquiry team headed by Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Arun Kumar. The investigation revealed that the Municipal Council had failed to take adequate measures for dust control and other necessary preparations at the helipad site. The department initiated action against Executive Officer Kumar Ritwik after the inquiry report highlighted his negligence.

The suspension order, issued by Parmanand Pandey, Under Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department, states that the expected administrative responsibilities for a high-priority event—such as the Chief Minister's program—were not discharged, thereby tarnishing the image of the government and the administration. Under the order, Kumar Ritwik has been suspended with immediate effect, and his designated headquarters has been set at the office of the Municipal Commissioner, Muzaffarpur Municipal Corporation.

According to sources, the scope of the investigation has not yet concluded, and officials and personnel from other departments are also under scrutiny. Given the situation, further administrative action regarding this matter is anticipated in the coming days.

This lapse during the Chief Minister's program has caused a stir within the administrative ranks. The government views this as a significant step towards establishing accountability. All eyes are now fixed on the next phase of the investigation to see which other officials will face disciplinary action.