PANAJI
The delay in the construction of the new gate at Amthane Dam, despite assurances to complete the works by July-end, has once again fuelled fears of another water crisis in several talukas that faced acute shortages during the summer months.
Sources in the Water Resources Department revealed to The Goan that the delay is allegedly being worsened by management gaps. “There is no full-time Superintending Engineer-I monitoring the site. The Additional Chief Engineer, who holds the additional charge, is already overburdened and inexperienced in this type of work,” the source said.
Another official stated that the Executive Engineer is handling responsibilities for both Works Division V and VI, while an Assistant Engineer is reportedly irregular.
“Despite work beginning in May, progress has been slow. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar visited the site in June, which is when fresh deadline assurance was given. However, it seems the project will need another three months,” he said.
It has also come to the fore that higher-ups are inquiring into whether the Amthane Dam gate was deliberately dismantled by a service provider in collusion with some engineers. “There are high chances that due procedures were not followed,” the source said, adding that this alleged act caused uncontrolled water flow and inflated the project cost from Rs 1 crore to Rs 3 crores under the pretext of emergency repairs.
“If there is manipulation carried out over the construction, it will be investigated. Connivance with regard to suspension and promotion of certain officials within the department, etc will also be probed,” the source added.
Three talukas bore the brunt of interrupted water supply earlier this year, after which the Chief Minister repeatedly stated that responsible engineers would face suspension.
