CPI(M) to hold jatha against irregularities in underground drainage works

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will hold Mahanagara Palike Chalo rally on February 20 to protest against the alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Asian Development Bank-funded phase one of the underground drainage project in the city. The rally will be from Ballalbagh Circle to the Mangaluru City Corporation office.

Talking to reporters here on Friday, CPI(M) District Secretriat Member Muneer Katipalla said work under phase one was taken up to provide underground drainage network to newly-added areas of Mangaluru City Corporation namely Surathkal, Kavoor, Padil and Bajal.

Despite over 15 years since commencement of the works, these areas still do not have the underground drainage system. With poor and substandard works, the the ₹360 crores spent for the phase one has gone down the drain, he said. Mr. Katipalla said though Urban Development Minister R. Roshan Baig agreed to alleged irregularities in execution of the work and assured of investigation by Criminal Investigation Department, he has so far not initiated any action.

Mr. Katipalla alleged that Mr.Baig was being pressurised by Mangaluru City South MLA J.R. Lobo and Mangaluru City North MLA B.A.Mohiuddin Bava against inquiry into the phase one of underground drainage works. Mr. Katipalla said there were irregularities in awarding the contract for replacing 11.40 km long old sewage main pumping line in the city, which is taken up under the phase 2 of ADB-funded works. He alleged that firm, which was awarded the contract on January 5, has quoted ₹24 crore in excess of the estimated amount of ₹60 crore. He alleged that the contractors, who were accused of poor execution of phase one works, were involved in phase two of the works. “We fear the phase two of works will end up the same fate as that of phase one,” he said.

Sunil Kumar Bajal, Secretary of CPI (M) Mangaluru City South block, said they are insisting on a high-level inquiry into the alleged irregularities. Questioning silence of Bharatiya Janata Party on the issue, Mr. Bajal said the party will make people raise voice against poor execution of ADB-funded works.