The district administration, on the directions of chief minister Virbhadra Singh, has launched a probe into the alleged irregularities in the land acquisition and purchase deals in 40 MW Renuka dam.
Deputy commissioner Vikas Labroo has further ordered ADM Manmohan Sharma to conduct a probe within a month. The dam management has also been directed to assist the inquiry into the case.
Sources said the probe might be complicated in nature thus assistance of any revenue expert might be needed.
Chief minister Virbhadra Singh had ordered a probe into the matter during the inauguration of the international Renuka fair.
Sources said it was not easy to conduct a probe because a detailed revenue record would be needed for verification.
The chief minister had said some influential people and political leaders purchased land from the farmers at throwaway prices and later the dam management acquired such lands by paying huge compensation.
Meanwhile, the dam management has refused irregularities in the land acquisition process, while admitting that a vigilance probe was in progress over land purchase for rehabilitation of oustees at Chakli.
Sources said this land was purchased at very low prices from the farmers and within a month the Renuka dam management purchased it by paying heavy amount to the then owner. The dam management had paid Rs 3.75 crore for purchasing 86 bighas at Chakli.
{{/usCountry}}Sources said this land was purchased at very low prices from the farmers and within a month the Renuka dam management purchased it by paying heavy amount to the then owner. The dam management had paid Rs 3.75 crore for purchasing 86 bighas at Chakli.
{{/usCountry}}Sources added that the administration had called the dam officers immediately after the chief minister's announcement, but official inquiry was ordered on Monday.
Labroo confirmed that the ADM had been asked to conduct a probe into all aspects.
“The revenue records of land acquisition and purchase will be provided to the inquiry officer and communication for assistance inquiry has been obtained in the office,” said BK Kaushal, general manager of the Renuka dam.
He added that Rs 134 crore had been spent on land acquisition and Rs 18 crore on land purchase for rehabilitation and construction of the dam.