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Monday, September 21, 2009

Gross anomalies in embankment works in Majuli

JORHAT, Sept 21: The tall claims of the State Government as well as the Centre to protect the biggest river island Majuli have turned into a mockery due to the sordid attitude of the Brahmaputra Board officials.

Even after repeated appeals to protect the island, the Brahamaputra Board is yet to complete its primary work. Although the Board was entrusted with the work of strengthening the embankments of Majuli, the task has not been completed. This apart, it is alleged that the officials concerned have indulged in some anomalies in the name of embankment strengthening by compromising with the quality of work.

Due to the slow progress of work, the embankment could not be permanently protected from flood and erosion of the mighty Brahmaputra river. The embankment from Militiniali to Jengrai has been breached by flowing water in 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively.

On being contracted, the chief engineer of the Board revealed that they have used approximately Rs 12 crore for strengthening three embankments and another Rs 5 crore will be released soon. But the surprising fact is that the works accomplished by the Board are beyond satisfaction.

Talking to The Sentinel, Jorhat district general secretary of AASU Dhrubajyoti Hazarika said the future of Majuli is not safe in the hands of the Brahmaputra Board. “The engineers and the contractors are involved in rampant corruption and have misutilized the public money meant for the protection of Majuli”. The engineers and the contractors have siphoned off huge amount of money by compromising with the quality of embankment strengthening works, he said. The students’ leader vehemently criticized local MP Rani Narah for her silence over the failure and corruption of the Brahmaputra Board in Majuli.

Majuli MLA Rajiv Lochan Pegu said the works done by the Brahmaputra Board are not satisfactory. The inordinate delay and poor quality of work has irked the people of the island. Pointing out to the Bengenaati-Gegera embankment, the MLA said the dyke has not been completed since 2004. He further said, “The Brahmaputra Board is yet to complete the Jengrai-Haldhibari protection dyke which was the first phase of work of the Board”. THE SENTINEL

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