HC questions irregularities in preparing DPRs of Cuttack drain project
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Cuttack: Orissa high court has taken serious note of irregularities in the preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs) related to the Rs 335.42 crore branch surface water channel (BSWC) drain project in Cuttack.
A division bench of Justices S K Sahoo and V Narasingh, while hearing the matter on July 11, came down heavily on the housing and urban development department and noted with concern that the DPRs submitted by Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) were neither authenticated nor bore the names of officials involved in their preparation. The court termed the lapses as "startling".
The bench also questioned how a Bhubaneswar-based private consultancy firm came to represent the city engineer (CMC) during a crucial meeting held on April 30.
"There is nothing on record to indicate how the private company could represent a govt official," the court observed.
"The lackadaisical manner in which the entire project is being handled is tell-tale," the bench remarked and directed the secretary of the department to file an affidavit by July 21, clarifying the appointment of the firm, reasons for overlooking IIT Bhubaneswar, and whether any departmental or vigilance inquiry is being initiated into the handling of the project.
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The engineer has also been directed to submit a separate affidavit detailing the basis for involving the firm and referring the DPRs to Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla.
The matter pertains to the proposed construction of five BSWC drains in the city. Despite a decision taken in Dec 2023 to consult IIT Bhubaneswar for an expert review of the DPRs, the documents were sent instead to VSSUT. The shift was based on a communication dated June 17 this year from the firm.
"It does not stand to reason how the govt's direction to consult IIT Bhubaneswar, keeping in mind the hydraulic analysis required, was ignored," the bench stated.
When questioned by the court, the engineer assured the revised DPRs would be submitted by July 25. However, the judges noted the absence of any explanation as to why the firm was involved and why the IIT's expertise was bypassed.
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