HYDERABAD: The Government was pushed into the defensive on three counts regarding Vamsadhara Stage II project at the public debate here today -- second in the series.

S. Maruti, a former chief engineer of Sriramsagar project and now Telugu Desam MLA of Choppadandi, worked like a one-man army placing a dozen irrigation officials in a tight spot on the three `irregularities.'

Bitter verbal duel

P. Sitapathi Rao, advisor, irrigation, emerged as Government's chief spokesman, straining every nerve to counter the charges. The two-hour debate was marked by a bitter verbal fight between the two and the chief moderator, S. Nagabushana Rao, Director, Engineering Staff College of India, was often found helpless.

The irregularities cited by Mr. Maruti in finalising the tenders worth Rs. 660 crores so far for implementing the project were: selection of Soma Enterprises for executing Heermandalam reservoir, one of the project's three packages, though the firm lacked experience having done no similar work in the past; change of cost estimates overnight by officials to Rs. 422 crores for Heeramandalam in collusion with the contractors to suit their interests; and non-submission of `data sheet' by the firm on how deep it would go on the river-bed for foundations which had a vital bearing on the cost.

He produced a file in support of his charges but Mr. Sitapati Rao called them bogus.

Mr. Rao denied this and said the firm had fulfilled prescribed qualifications.

He rejected the demand by Mr. Maruti to show papers as a proof of his claim.

Quoting Kaul and Shakdar, Mr. Maruti said that the debate was an extension of the Assembly and the official should reply or express inability.

The duel continued even after the debate when Mr. Maruti dubbed the official "agent of the Congress," and sought his removal from the service. During the debate, Mr. Sitapati Rao, however, called Mr. Maruti and others "deceivers" as they were stalling `Jala Yagnam.'

A highlight was Mr. Maruti was interrupted this time by K. Ventata Reddy, MLA, deputed by the Congress, while T. Venkatesam of the BJP sailed with the former. The CPI, the CPI(M) and the MIM abstained.

G. Prabhakar, a retired irrigation official, had to come out of the hall when officials objected to his presence as the Janata was already represented by G. Hanumantha Reddy, former Chief Engineer, Nagarjunasagar project.

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