Probe ordered in Lendhi dam construction

State water resources minister Sunil Tatkare has ordered an inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the construction of Lendhi dam in Thane district.

State water resources minister Sunil Tatkare has ordered an inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the construction of Lendhi dam in Thane district.

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Vivek Pandit, independent MLA representing Vasai in Thane district, said Tatkare had ordered the probe after he raised the issue in the legislative assembly last Friday.

Construction of the dam has yet to be completed but the contractor has already been paid crores of rupees by the government.

There is not a drop of water in the dam located in the tribal-dominated Jawhar taluka. Also, around 70 tribal families, displaced by the dam have neither been compensated nor rehabilitated, he said.

Pandit said tenders for the project were awarded by the state government even without acquiring the land. This was done in clear violation of the existing rules.

Tatkare informed the House that a detailed report had been sought from executive director of Kokan Irrigation Development Corporation regarding the alleged irregularities in construction of the dam and action would be initiated after the report was received, he said.

Locals have opposed construction of the dam.