The Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) council on Friday resolved to initiate an inquiry by the Lokayukta into the substandard work carried out by Nirmiti Kendra and also the Public Works Department.
Hubli-Dharwad Mayor Pandurang Patil passed the ruling at the end of a heated discussion on the substandard work executed in the twin cities, following a calling attention motion moved by the former Leader of the Opposition in the council Deepak Chinchore at the monthly council meeting here on Friday.
There are funds, but…
Mr. Chinchore said that though the corporation was getting funds for development projects, the works carried out were not of quality. Referring to a recent road development work carried out in Dharwad at a cost of Rs. 16 crore, he said the asphalt cover had already come off, and urged the council to seek an inquiry either by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) or the Lokayukta into the shoddy works.
Participating in the discussion, councillors cutting across party lines raised several instances of substandard work and alleged that the compound wall of the Mahatma Gandhi Park constructed by the District Nirmiti Kendra collapsed after a downpour recently.
Councillors said that no further works should be entrusted to the Nirmiti Kendra and those that had already been entrusted to it should be taken back. Mr. Patil suggested seeking an inquiry report from the Chief Engineer before seeking an inquiry either by the CID or the Lokayukta. But councillors cutting across party lines were firm on seeking an inquiry.
Concluding the discussion on the issue, the Mayor announced that an inquiry would be sought by the Lokayukta into the alleged substandard work executed by the Public Works Department and the Nirmiti Kendra.
Altercation
Meanwhile, a remark made by councillor Ashok Niduvani and subsequently by the Mayor when Janata Dal (S) councillor Saroja Patil raised an objection on a issue that had come for confirmation in the council, resulted in a heated exchange of words.
Objecting to the remarks, Ms. Saroja Patil rushed to the well of the council hall and entered into argument with BJP councillors and the Mayor. Soon, Congress councillors rushed to the well, objecting to the remarks, resulting in a commotion. Soon, both the councillor and the Mayor expressed regret for their remarks.
