Chandigarh MC gave incomplete record of 24x7 water supply project: Vigilance Dept

In its reply to the notice issued by the Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission, the UT Vigilance Department has stated that the MC Chief Engineer provided it with incomplete record — the tender document and a copy of the noting files of the 24X7 water supply pilot project in Manimajra.

The department assured the commission that after receiving the complete hierarchy and record/information of the project, the inquiry will be concluded at the earliest, subject to the availability of requisite approvals and expert opinion.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the news report of Chandigarh Tribune published on July 10 — “Vigilance launches probe into 24X7 water supply project in Manimajra” —

the rights commission had issued notices to the MC Chief Engineer and the UT Vigilance Department.

The news report highlighted that the department started a probe into the pilot project after Jatinder Pal Malhotra, city BJP president, wrote to Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, alleging corruption in the execution of the project and problems faced by the local residents due to low-pressure supply.

The residents of some pockets had complained about muddy water supply.

Meanwhile, the MC Executive Engineer, in his reply, claimed that no formal complaints pertaining to any illness or health issues allegedly arising due to water contamination had been received in his office from the residents of Manimajra.

The MC as well as the company, which has been managing the project, had taken water samples randomly at regular intervals from selected households across Indira Colony and NAC Shivalik Enclave in Manimajra. These samples were tested and found in order. Water samples were also independently tested by the Central Public Health Laboratory of the MC and the results confirmed that the water quality was satisfactory and fit for human consumption.

The MC claimed that isolated complaints of muddy water supply

were received during certain phases of pipeline flushing, pressure testing or other related works carried out by the company managing the project. However, those issues were temporary and attended to promptly by the project workers under the supervision of his office.

A dedicated field team has been deputed by the company to identify and rectify faults, including the disconnection of old and redundant water supply lines which may be causing such problems, said the MC Executive Engineer.

Justice Sant Parkash, Chairperson of the commission, in its fresh order said it appears that the reports from both departments are interim. Therefore, the Executive Engineer, MC; and the Vigilance Department are again directed to file their requisite reports before the next date of hearing scheduled for September 2.