Konark: Reports of widespread irregularities in the Konark Watco section, including the absence of an engineer for 10 years and the lack of clean drinking water, were continuously published in the Tirtha Kshetra daily newspaper. As a result, Assistant Manager Dipti Ranjan Patra has been transferred from Konark to Mandali. However, despite the transfer, he has not yet vacated his post.
Even after the official order, he has been unable to leave Konark due to his attachment to the place. According to sources, local residents had filed a written complaint, which led to the publication of the issue in Tirtha Kshetra. Journalist and social activist Jnan Ranjan Bishwal informed the Chief Minister and all departmental officials through social media.
Due to the Konark Festival and Chandrabhaga Magha Mela, the transfer and relief process was delayed. However, even after the official relief order, Patra has not completed his office work and has refused to leave. Moreover, the agreements related to the Konark Festival and Magha Mela have not been finalized, causing concerns among contractors involved in the work.
The newly appointed Assistant Manager, Shibadarshi Das from Puri, has not yet assumed charge. As a result, there are concerns that drinking water supply issues may worsen in March and during the summer season. Local residents are demanding immediate intervention from departmental officials and the concerned minister.