Andhra Pradesh   

A.P. Government draws flak over irrigation project

Special Correspondent

Irregularities in tenders alleged by Opposition parties

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Government found itself on the backfoot on Thursday against a concerted attack by the entire Opposition over alleged irregularities in tenders for the multi-crore Sripadasagar lift irrigation project in Karimnagar district.

Telugu Desam Party members, who raised the issue during question hour in the Assembly, said there was a cost escalation of Rs. 381 crores at the conceptual stage itself.

T. Devender Goud (TDP) claimed that the project cost was estimated at Rs. 1,344 crores and posted on the website.

Within three days, the contract was awarded for Rs. 1,725 crores and a mobilisation advance of Rs. 42 crores paid to the executing firm.

He alleged that the cost was hiked at the instance of the contractor.

Major Irrigation Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah conceded that it was a mistake committed by a Superintending Engineer. He was shifted following an inquiry and disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him.

He argued that the cost escalation was a conscious decision of the Government as a result of increasing the coverage of the project from 1.36 lakh to 2.00 lakh acres.

The increase was effected on demand from public representatives after the tender notification was issued. As demanded by Mr. Goud, Mr. Lakshmaiah offered to place all documents of the project before Speaker K.R. Suresh Reddy.

Mr. Goud, however, said the tender document was clear that the work was for two lakh acres and not 1.36 lakh acres.

In the midst of slogan-shouting by TDP members, the Speaker adjourned the House for a short break. As the scenes were re-enacted on resumption, he called it a day.

Motion moved

The TDP took on the Government shortly after a two-day suspension on 31 of its members was lifted a day in advance.

They were suspended on Wednesday for stalling the proceedings of the Assembly demanding a debate on the countermanding of Vizag - I Assembly bypoll.

The suspension was revoked by the Speaker after Finance and Legislative Affairs Minister K. Rosaiah moved a motion following a plea by CPI (M) floor leader N. Narasimhaiah, who termed the act undemocratic.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

A.P. Government draws flak over irrigation project
Lend me a hand
Briefly

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu