Following the water supply scam in Theog, Shimla district, a new controversy has emerged surrounding an irrigation scheme designed to benefit farmers in Kyaar and Kamah Panchayats. A trial to release water under the Rs 3.25 crore lift irrigation project exposed significant issues when water began leaking from damaged five-inch pipes, preventing it from reaching the intended agricultural fields. This incident has raised suspicions about the quality of materials used in the scheme.
The irrigation project, which was intended to supply water from Kyaar Khad, had already drawn complaints from locals regarding the use of substandard pipes. The grievances were formally submitted to the SDM office in Theog, and on November 13, 2024, SDM Mukesh Sharma forwarded the issue to Executive Engineer Basant Singh Rathore of the Kasumpti Division for investigation.
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This new controversy comes shortly after the suspension of the Executive Engineer in connection with the earlier water supply scam. As a result, the scrutiny has expanded to other irrigation schemes in the Kasumpti and Matiyana divisions, with allegations of misuse of funds for unnecessary site visits and equipment installations.
Chief Engineer Jogendra Chauhan confirmed that an inquiry into the burst pipes would soon begin to determine those responsible for the lapses. “We are committed to ensuring that all irregularities are thoroughly investigated,” Chauhan said.
Originally initiated during the tenure of former Water Power Minister Vidya Stokes, the scheme was meant to serve the agricultural needs of thousands of farmers in Kyaar and Kamah Panchayats. However, the recent issues with the project have cast doubt on its effectiveness and raised concerns about the integrity of the Jal Shakti Department.
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