Opposition alleges corruption in Vidarbha irrigation projects

Bharatiya Janta Party legislator Pandurang Phundkar has alleged corruption to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore in irrigation projects in Vidharba.

Bharatiya Janta Party legislator Pandurang Phundkar has alleged corruption to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore in irrigation projects in Vidharba.

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Phundkar said the costs of the Jeegaon project had risen manifold from Rs394.83 crore in 1990 to Rs4,044 crore in 2009.

Jayant Patil of the Peasants and Workers Party alleged that all contracts were awarded to six companies which ultimately belonged to a single owner.

The Opposition demanded a probe and suspension of officers found guilty. It also targeted water conservation minister Sunil Tatkare for the alleged scam.

Tatkare defended his department saying that the process was transparent. “We had publicised the matter in the various newspapers and [later] even ordered an inquiry,” said Tatkare.

He said the government would act on the report by the Wadnere committee, which conducted the inquiry. “We will act against the guilty and also place the action taken report in the House,” he added.

However, the Opposition accused the minister of shielding guilty officials. Tatkare finally agreed to examine the report and suspend those found guilty. Tatkare has been in the news of late over an alleged disproportionate assets case. The minister is alleged to have floated a host of companies to amass vast tracts of land.