n Those found guilty in irrigation scam will not be spared, says WRD Minister Girish Mahajan

 

 

 

By Vikas Vaidya


Water Resources Department (WRD), which had run into controversies over the past couple of years owing to siphoning of of funds meant for irrigation development, is in for a change. Close on the heels of the State Government giving nod to Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for open enquiry against the then Water Resources Ministers Ajit Pawar and Sunil Tatkare, the new WRD Minister Girish Mahajan has set course for reforms in the department.
“Our Government has sent a clear message that we will not spare anybody found guilty in the multi-crore irrigation scam,” Mahajan told ‘The Hitavada’. There was an unholy nexus of contractors-politicians in WRD. When it was pointed out that even the senior officers were facing the charges of involvement in the irrigation scam, Mahajan said that officers may not be guilty in all the cases as they might have worked under pressure from the political bosses. “But, we cannot say anything on it at this juncture. We will conduct an enquiry and those found guilty will not be spared. We will continue with the policy of providing a new image to the department,” he said.
Already, there are complaints that the estimates of various project-works were inflated largely. There are examples where contractors took Rs 100 crore from WRD for a particular work, of which the actual cost was not more than Rs 10 crore. Asked about these complaints, Mahajan said, “I have gone through such complaints and I shall be taking stern action against those found guilty. I shall go for a detailed enquiry. There were attempts to make some persons scapegoats. I shall see that those made scapegoats get relief.”
At the same time, Mahajan said that he would not act with vendetta. “Larger interest of the people will be our guiding principle. If people are doing good work passionately and honestly, we may ignore their mistakes too. We want people contributing honestly. They will be the pillars of the department,” Mahajan added.
As far as irrigation projects in the State are concerned, the minister said that projects of which 80 to 90 per cent work was complete would be given priority. At many places, dams were constructed but network of canals was yet to be created. In some cases, dams were constructed and irrigation was being done but money was not paid for the work done. Such cases would be on the priority list, he pointed out.
During the winter session of State Legislature held in Nagpur in December 2014, Girish Mahajan had paid a visit to Gosikhurd national project. Sharing his observations, he said, “There are several problems concerning Gosikhurd. The problems of project-affected persons have not been resolved for long. Irrigation potential has not increased and the work of canal is incomplete. We will accord priority to the project.”
Mahajan, who hails from Khandesh, is known for responding quickly to people. His constituency Jamner has an excellent network of educational institutions. He is aware of the significance of water resources. “Water scarcity was the biggest problem in our area drip, sprinkler, and micro irrigation proved to be solutions,” Mahajan said.

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