Sitamarhi DM detects fund loot in flood protection work

Arun Lata Sharma

Sitamarhi: A  case of fund loot in the name of embankment protection has come to surface in Sitamarhi district. The misappropriation of the government fund was detected on August 18, 2017, when Sitamarhi DM Rajiv Raushan, Sheohar MP Rama Devi accompanied by NDRF personnel and engineerings inspected the Bagmati embankment at village Rampur Kanth following complaints lodged by villagers.

The officials found heap of gunny bags filled with 5 to 10 kg soil kept at several points on the embankment to prevent erosion. They also found some empty bags there. The marked empty bags were supplied by Water Resource Department (WRD). The engineers were directed by the department to use these bags.
The residents of village Rampur Kanth under Suppi block had lodged complaints with the district administration recently alleging that the anti-erosion works being done by Bagmati Division engineers and contractors were substandard. The DM inspected the embankment on August 18 and found the allegation true.

The DM has sent a report to the WRD in this connection recommending for action against the engineers concerned and contractors. Sheohar MP Rama Devi too assured the villagers that she would personally hand over the findings to the WRD Minister.
It may be mentioned here that the flood had claimed 31 lives in Sitamarhi district till August 19. Over 15 lakh people of 165 panchayats under 10 blocks of the district are reeling under the flood, which has also damaged the standing crops. The district administration is carrying out rescue and relief work on war footing.