CONCERN OVER EROSION CONTROL WORK: MUNNI DEVI

CONCERN OVER EROSION CONTROL WORK: MUNNI DEVI

12-JUNE-ENG 8

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------Serious allegations of gross irregularities have surfaced regarding the erosion control work being carried out along the Ganges River at Javainiya, located in the Shahpur block of Bhojpur district. Alleging malpractice in the construction activities, former Shahpur MLA Munni Devi has written to the state's Deputy Chief Minister, Samrat Chaudhary, demanding an impartial investigation into the entire matter by an independent agency.

The letter sent by the former MLA raises questions on several critical points. Munni Devi alleged that departmental rules are being blatantly flouted in the execution of these works, which fall under Short-term Tender No. 02/2025-26 and Agenda No. 244/30/2026. She has specifically questioned the process of awarding the contract to a firm named Sindhuja Engineers and Contractors. The former MLA asserts that entrusting the project to this company—despite its history of being blacklisted and having outstanding GST dues—indicates departmental collusion.

Technical discrepancies have also been highlighted in the letter. Munni Devi pointed out that while the tender stipulated a completion date of May 15, 2026, the official agreement extended this deadline to July 15, 2026. She argued that extending the work period is an act of negligence, given that the water level of the Ganges rises in July, exacerbating erosion conditions.

The former MLA also raised serious questions regarding the quality of materials used. Citing complaints from locals, she stated that soil-laden sand is being used at the site instead of the standard-grade sand required. Furthermore, instead of the boulders from Mirzapur specified in the project estimate, low-quality boulders sourced from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, are being utilized. She alleged that despite bringing these irregularities to notice, no concrete action has been taken at the departmental level. It has also been reported that the instructions issued by the District Magistrate during the inspection have not been followed. Notably, the DM had directed that 800 laborers be deployed at the work site daily, a directive that is not being implemented. The former MLA has expressed apprehension that the work is being deliberately delayed to unfairly exploit the critical situation that arises when water levels rise during the monsoon.

Former MLA Munni Devi has termed this entire episode a waste of public funds and a reckless compromise with flood safety. She has urged the Chief Minister to order an investigation by an independent and impartial agency, given the gravity of the matter, so that strict punitive action can be taken against the erring contractor and the safety of the residents of Jawainya is not compromised.