Within days of coming to power, the B.S. Yediyurapa-led BJP government has withheld the previous government’s order to probe alleged irregularities in modernisation of the left-bank canal of the Hemavati reservoir.
Following complaints in execution of the work, estimated at a cost of ₹809.58 crore, the JD(S)–Congress government had ordered an inquiry into the irregularities on July 9, this year.
The BJP government stalled the inquiry without citing a reason through an order issued on August 13.
The Congress government in November 2017 had approved the modernisation of the canal, which takes Hemavati waters to parts of Hassan, Mandya, and Tumakuru districts. The actual cost of the project went up to ₹998 crore.
Complaints withdrawn
Political parties repeatedly alleged irregularities in the execution of the work. M.K. Sheshe Gowda, president of Hemavati Command Area Beneficiaries, and the former Minister A. Manju submitted complaints alleging irregularities in the work execution. While the former filed the complaint in 2017, the latter filed it in 2018. Interestingly, both of them withdrew their complaints. There is no clarity why they withdrew the complaints.
When The Hindu contacted Mr. Sheshe Gowda on Wednesday, he evaded a reply. However, the JD(S)–Congress coalition issued a notification on July 9 this year ordering a probe by retired Secretary S.J. Channabasappa. He was given three month’s time to submit the report.
Following this, the Chief Engineer of Hemavati project, on August 3, wrote to the Superintendent Engineer and Executive Engineer of the Channarayapatna division to furnish details of the work to the inquiry officer. But, now it has been stopped.
The order signed by K.L. Prasad, Under Secretary of the Water Resources Department, does not specify reasons for the move.
