Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Tuesday, ordered a probe into works executed under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) here.
At the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) review meeting, Chamaraja MLA Vasu and other elected representatives drew Mr. Siddaramaiah’s attention towards the “shoddy works” taken up under the JNNURM.
There were complaints pertaining to the quality of work at Raja Marga (taken up under Chief Minister’s Rs. 100 crore special grant) as well. Mr. Vasu alleged that there were widespread irregularities but nobody was being held accountable.
Even after so many years, there is no progress to show and despite sanctioning a drinking water project under the mission, there are cases of sewage water getting mixed with water lines meant for domestic consumption, he said.
Mr. Vasu also drew the Chief Minister’s attention towards non-completion of restoration works of Town Hall. While the officials tried to defend themselves stating that an inquiry was conducted and issues were identified, Mr. Vasu pointed out that no action had been taken against the contractors.
Similarly, the drinking water project under JNNURM came under flak.
Taking note of the complaints, Mr. Siddaramaiah directed Regional Commissioner M.V. Jayanthi to conduct a probe into all the JNNURM works being undertaken in the city and submit a report.
Works JNNURM was launched here in 2005-2006 and some of the projects taken up under it include remodelling of water distribution network, automation and integrated management system, development of transport infrastructure facilities, bulk water supply from the Kabini, development of integrated municipal solid-waste management plan, remodelling of storm water drain, development of heritage core area and intelligent transport system.
Other elected representatives in the meeting mooted the idea of a separate meeting to discuss the development works in Mysore city. In the discussion pertaining to public health, the Chief Minister was told about the lack of facilities at K.R. Hospital here. Mr. Vasu said the hospital lacked equipment to deal with emergencies and accident victims were invariably directed to go to private hospitals.
The Chief Minister was apprised of the process involved in calling for tenders, which resulted in such delays.
The officials were directed to take up emergency works by calling for short-term tenders to expedite the process.
