Assam Congress leader alleges gross anomalies in 'Guwahati Development Department'

GUWAHATI: Assam's Congress MLA Debabrata Saikia today alleged that the amount sanctioned for the cleaning, de-silting, and maintenance of 69 drains along with the rivers Basistha and Mora Bharalu by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) could be "grossly inflated."

Saikia, who represents Upper Assam's Nazira, wrote: "For instance, for the works mentioned above the amount sanctioned for 2018-2020 (to cover three years) was Rs. 74,22,76,000 (over Rs. 74.22 crore); however, the amount sanctioned in January, 2021 to cover the same works during 2020-2021 (just one year) was an astronomical Rs. 137 crore. Subsequently, the outgoing Commissioner , GMC extended the period of works till March 2024 (3 years) vide an Order dated 20-05-2021, allegedly to minimize the damage of adverse reactions to the exorbitant hike in cost of the works. It may be noted that contracts have been awarded before this Order was issued by the outgoing Commissioner, which leaves a question mark over its legal validity," he added.

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In his communique, he said that the amount sanctioned by the Guwahati Development Department (GDD) for cleaning and de-silting of IOC pipeline and maintenance from Super Market to Sasal VIP Road for 2018-2020 was Rs. 99,99,000 for 3 years. Whereas, the sum allotted for 2021 is Rs. 7,81,87,070.

He further added that the amount sanctioned by GDD for cleaning and de-silting of Lakhimi Jaan from Bhetapara (near river Basistha) to Dakhin Gaon Pump House for 2018-2020 was Rs. 2,53,17,000 for 3 years. While, the amount sanctioned by GDD for cleaning and de-silting for the same area is now Rs. 6,07,80,013 for just 1 year.

He also stated that the amount sanctioned by GDD for de-silting of river Bharalu for 2018-2020 was Rs. 5,20,97,000 for 3 years, while Rs. 8,05,07,851 has been sanctioned for just 1 year.

Saikia further alleged that the scam allegedly involves some senior engineers and officials of the GMC and a section of contractors favored by them.

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