Nagpur: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL), drawing attention towards multi crore scam in Vidarbha’s irrigation projects, has been filed in Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court by Janmanch. The PIL has sought CBI probe into the multi crore irrigation project scam in Vidarbha instead of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation. The PIL has also demanded early completion of the projects keeping in mind the interest of farmers of the region. Admitting the PIL, the Division Bench of Justice Bhushan Gavai and Justice Pradeep Deshmukh issued notices to concerned parties and directed them to file their replies within three weeks.
Speculations are rife that crores of rupees have been misappropriated in various irrigation projects of Vidarbha. At present, 38 irrigation projects are underway including dams, canals and lift irrigation schemes. Not a single project has been completed in stipulated time period leading to escalation of costs in massive proportions. On one hand crores of rupees are being spent and not a single project is being completed and on the hand the farmers are being deprived of water. The Contractors, babus and politicians in connivance with each other allegedly pocketing moolah at the cost of State coffers and interest of farmers.
Moreover, blind eye is being turned towards inferior quality of works and that too since the past 20-30 years, said the PIL.
The Janmanch PIL further said that the then Advocate General had announced an open enquiry into irrigation scam by Anti-Corruption Bureau. However, not a single FIR has been registered till to date, stated the PIL. Adv Firdos Mirza is representing the petitioner.
