Andhra Pradesh - Guntur   

Vigilance team finds irregularities in works

Staff Reporter

Execution of `Neeru-Meeru' during 2001 to 2004

GUNTUR: Vigilance and Enforcement authorities in Guntur have enquired and detected irregularities to the tune of Rs. 18.44 lakhs in execution of various works taken up by the Forest Department during the Neeru-Meeru programme during 2001 to 2004.

According to the officials, the then Forest Minister Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu had complained to the department about the alleged irregularities in execution of various works in Vinukonda forest division in 2003.

Acting upon the complaint, the sleuths conducted enquiry and did random verification of works undertaken. In the construction of percolation tanks, wrong estimates were allegedly submitted causing a loss of Rs. 9,750 to the Government exchequer during 2001-02, while in 2002-03, the loss was to the tune of Rs. 10.46 lakhs, and it was Rs. 4. 64 lakhs in 2003-04.

Action recommended

In construction works, the officials detected two leads more than the nominated number, causing additional payments to the tune of Rs. 3.24 lakhs. The total loss to the exchequer amounted to Rs.18.44 lakhs.

The authorities have recommended action against Forest Range Officers--S. Achyuta Rao and R. Hanumantha Rao--and also against five section officers--J.V. Krishna Rao, Y. Thomasiah, K.C. Sunil Kumar, A. Venkateshwarlu and Md. Jani--for causing loss to the exchequer. The sleuths also recommended major penalty and disciplinary action against two district level officers for `supervisory lapse and failing to verify the execution of works on the field.'

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