Graft claims, poor execution plague Rs 37-crore stormwater project in Sirsa

A Rs 37-crore stormwater drainage project in Sirsa, designed to address the city’s waterlogging issues, has been facing severe criticism after multiple pipelines burst and roads caved in.

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Originally estimated to cost Rs 28 crore, the project was awarded at Rs 37 crore under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme, with an additional Rs 35 crore sanctioned to complete the unfinished work.

This raises questions about the financial planning and execution of the project.

Experts argue that the design itself is flawed. Instead of being laid 3-4 ft underground, pipes were buried 20-30 ft deep, making the drainage system ineffective and increasing the risk of flooding.

Now, serious allegations of corruption and poor execution have surfaced.

The issues began on Dabwali Road, where a stormwater pipeline burst, creating a massive crater — the third time that the same pipeline had ruptured.

Despite previous repairs, the road was damaged again after another pipeline burst during the pumping of water.

Locals, like shopkeeper Narendra Kumar, are growing increasingly frustrated.

“This is corruption at its worst. How can pipes burst so quickly after crores were spent?” he questioned, adding that the monsoons would make matters worse.

He has called for criminal action against the contractor and municipal officials responsible.

Reports suggest that substandard, non-ISI marked pipes were used, and work was not carried out in line with the approved designs.

It is alleged that the contractor, along with municipal officials, misused public funds.

Complaints about the project have been made before, but have reportedly been ignored by higher authorities. Resident Inderjeet Adhikari had filed an RTI with the Sirsa Municipal Council to get more information about the project, but the council failed to provide the details within the mandated timeframe.

During the appeal process, it was revealed that officials had tampered with the RTI application. The project’s design, which could reveal further irregularities, remains hidden, raising concerns over transparency.

A social worker added that members of the BJP and the RSS had previously raised concerns with then Local Bodies Minister Dr Kamal Gupta. Although a three-member investigation committee was formed, no action was taken.

An ongoing investigation by Sirsa Zila Parishad CEO Subhash Chandra has been hindered by non-cooperation from municipal officials, who have failed to provide crucial documents.

Meanwhile, under Stormwater Project-2, new pipelines are being laid in city markets, but concerns persist about substandard work and improper pipe joints, which could lead to future leakages and road cave-ins. After learning about the matter, Sirsa DC Shantanu Sharma said he would review the tender documents and after that take further step.

Selja writes to CM

Kumari Selja, Member of Parliament from Sirsa, has now written to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, urging for an impartial investigation into the project. In her letter, she stressed that the stormwater project was plagued with substandard work.

“This negligence and corruption have not only disrupted traffic but also posed a significant risk to the safety of area residents. The lack of technical quality in the AMRUT scheme is evident, and immediate action is needed,” she said.

She has demanded that the contractors and officials responsible be held accountable, and thorough checks be implemented to ensure future projects meet the required standards.