Bhubaneswar, Sept. 22 (UDN): The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ordered an internal vigilance inquiry into alleged irregularities in two civic works, including a road project and a temporary immersion pond constructed for Ganesh Puja.
The decision follows concerns raised over the execution, sanctioned scope, cost and billing of the projects. The internal inquiry has been tasked with examining the records and determining whether prescribed procedures were followed.
Questions Over Road Work
According to Mayor Sulochana Das, permission was reportedly granted for work on a road measuring around 13.5 feet in width, while the work allegedly extended to nearly 40 feet at some point.
Questions have also been raised over the extent and quality of the work in relation to the sanctioned amount. The road project was reportedly not completed in the manner expected, prompting the civic body to seek an internal examination.
The vigilance inquiry will also look into the approval process, including which engineer sanctioned the work and whether the execution was in accordance with the approved plan and estimate.
Immersion Pond Under Scanner
The second matter relates to a temporary pond constructed for the immersion of Ganesh Puja idols.
The Mayor said the contractor reportedly quoted a rate approximately 48 per cent below the estimated cost. This has led to questions regarding the feasibility, scope and quality of the work at the quoted rate, as well as the treatment of GST.
Another issue flagged for examination is whether a temporary immersion pond constructed during the previous year was reused or represented as fresh work for billing purposes. The allegation has not been established and forms part of the inquiry ordered by the civic body.
Vigilance Report To Be Placed Before Council
The BMC’s internal vigilance department has been directed to investigate both matters and submit its findings before the upcoming general council meeting.
The inquiry is expected to examine project estimates, approvals, execution records, payments, bills and other relevant documents before determining whether any procedural or financial irregularities occurred.
Mayor Sulochana Das said the investigation would establish the facts and clarify the circumstances surrounding the two civic works.
The allegations remain subject to the findings of the internal vigilance inquiry.