Turbine oil scam to the fore

Kuldeep Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 14

A turbine oil “scam” has allegedly come to light in the Parbati-III power project of the NHPC in Kullu district.

As many as 24 drums of oil were despatched from the new store, Bihali, for turbines of the powerhouse on April 3. But it was found that 14 drums, whose seals were tempered, contained water, said sources in the power project.

These drums were being transported in a truck. But one drum leaked and surprisingly, there was water which leaked out of the drum, raising the suspicion of securitymen and staff members, the sources revealed.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) took the custody of the consignment, sources said. But the project management has yet to lodge an FIR in the case as it is doubted that the management and the CISF were trying to hush up the matter, charged insiders.

According to Parbati project sources, the cost of each drum of turbine oil is Rs 37,170. The oil is changed in six to one year, depending on the operation of the turbine.

The officials of the CISF and project management carried out an inspection. It was found that of the 24 drums, 14 drums contained water instead of turbine oil, revealed the audio recording of the inspection, which is with The Tribune.

Chief general manager CB Singh said, “The matter was not brought to my notice as we are busy in repair work of the tunnel,” he added, but did not respond to the outcome of the joint inspection.

On the other hand, Assistant Commandant, CISF, Sher Singh said they had carried the joint inspection, but refused to comment on the matter.