Shimla, January 3: The Jal Shakti Department has taken significant action in response to the water tanker scam in Theog sub-division by suspending 10 officers and employees, and blacklisting the contractors involved. This follows a preliminary investigation report submitted to the government by the Superintending Engineer of the Jal Shakti Circle Shimla. The report uncovered severe irregularities in the deployment of water tankers, particularly in the Matyana and Kasumpti divisions, involving a large number of officials.
According to the investigation, the scam, valued at approximately one crore rupees, was executed with the collusion of various department officers and employees. The corruption was specifically related to the misreporting of water tanker deployment under Matyana and Kasumpti sub-divisions, with many officials allegedly aiding fraudulent billing practices.
Officers and Employees Suspended:
The following officials have been suspended as part of the immediate action taken by the government:
- Ashok Kumar Bhopal, Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Mandal, Matyana
- Basant Singh, Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Mandal, Kasumpti
- Parineet Thakur, Assistant Engineer, Jal Shakti Sub-Division, Matyana
- Rakesh Kumar, Assistant Engineer, Jal Shakti Sub-Division, Koti
- Vivek Sharma, Assistant Engineer, Jal Shakti Sub-Division, Kotgarh (then charge Theog)
In addition, five junior engineers, including Mast Ram Bragta, Suresh Kumar, Neem Chand, Sudarshan, and Sunil Kumar, have also been directed for suspension, with headquarters set at the Engineer Chief Office of the Water Power Department in Shimla.
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Blacklisting of Contractors:
The Jal Shakti Department has issued orders to blacklist the contractors involved in the scam. The Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Power Department has been instructed to take necessary action against the contractors and submit a comprehensive report to the government for further action.
Allegations Unveiled by Former MLA Rakesh Singha:
Former Theog MLA Rakesh Singha played a pivotal role in exposing the scam by submitting an RTI query. According to the allegations, contractors claimed to have supplied drinking water through motorcycles and small vehicles, with no documented records for some vehicles. Despite this, payments amounting to lakhs of rupees were made, even though water supply was supposed to occur via water tankers.
Singha’s complaint led to a full inquiry by the Jal Shakti Department, revealing false billing, incorrect tanker deployment, and the misappropriation of government funds. This fraudulent activity not only drained the state’s treasury but also worsened the water crisis in the area, which residents had already been struggling with.
Strong Stand Against Corruption: Kuldeep Rathore’s Statement
Kuldeep Singh Rathore, the All India Congress Committee spokesperson and current MLA of Theog, expressed his firm stance against corruption, emphasizing zero tolerance for malpractice in his constituency. Rathore said, “I cannot tolerate corruption in any form. I have consistently overseen ongoing development projects and personally ensured their quality.”
Rathore added that he had urged the SDM of Theog, the XEN of IPH, and the Deputy Commissioner of Shimla to investigate the water supply scam thoroughly. He stressed that the culprits must face severe consequences, saying, “There appears to be something suspicious in this matter, and the investigation will reveal the entire truth.”
Rathore also raised concerns about the construction quality of a new hostel and civil hospital in Theog, emphasizing that no compromises could be made on the quality of public infrastructure. He confirmed that investigations were underway to hold the responsible contractors and officers accountable for any substandard work.
The ongoing investigations and swift action taken against the officers, employees, and contractors involved in the Theog water tanker scam send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated. The government is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the delivery of essential public services, particularly in areas that impact public health and safety, like water supply.