Another irrigation project goes defunct

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, May 1: A Rs 5.5 crore irrigation project in Karbi Anglong constructed with NLCPR funds of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has turned out a dud, failing to provide water to the local farming community.

The project at Phumen Phangcho near Langsolite was sanctioned in 2011-12.

According to official records, the project has been completed. While the cost estimate was Rs 548.47 lakh, DoNER released Rs 546.93 lakh.

The cals have already been damaged, with heavy growth of weeds and bushes in and around the project site.  Locals insist that an irrigation project is not feasible in the place.

“The project proposed to divert water from a nearby river to crop-fields which are located far off. The river too is a dead stream,” said a local.

There are also allegations of sub-standard work by the contractors.

While the Irrigation department of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council is supposed to monitor the project, locals alleged a contractor-official nexus which led to the project’s failure and wastage of public money.  The Irrigation department of the council is headed the CEM Tuliram Ronghang.