TURA, Sept 10 - The fruit processing unit in Dainadubi in North Garo Hills has come under the scanner following objections raised by NGOs over the construction coming up in a flood prone site. Questions are also being raised about the flaunting of guidelines while implementing the project.
Several civil organisations have alleged that the District Horticulture Officer (DHO) had allegedly flaunted construction guidelines.
�The construction of the unit is being executed by the DHO herself. The department has not followed proper procedure to execute the work. The site selected is low-lying and flood prone�, said Jimbu Momin, president of Mendipathar-Kharkutta Joint Area Development Committee (MKJADC).
There are allegations of funds being misused and the committee has blamed the DHO. The sanction for the project was granted in October last. �She did not seek opinion for the upgradation of the fruit processing unit from the public or any civil bodies nor did she float any tender for the construction�, Momin alleged.
The Directorate of Horticulture had released Rs 1.80 crore for upgradation and modernisation of the fruit processing centre at Dainadubi on October 1, 2014 though the project was approved in 2011-12.
The public and civil bodies confronted the DHO, North Garo Hills Susana KM Sangma last week at the project site. �After we raised complaints against her with the DC and Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, she refused to meet us�, said Momin.
On September 4, following the complaints raised by MKJADC, a spot verification was made by DC SC Sadhu along with other officials and the DHO.
The DC has now ordered an enquiry into the matter. �Last week, we visited the site. We are currently looking at the detailed project report and the issue of diversion of funds. The MKJADC has alleged misappropriation of funds by the DHO. The managing committee constituted for the purpose will probe into all matters and submit their report within two weeks�, Sadhu said. �We will be probing whether the due process has been followed�, he added.
Under the project, sanction was made for land development, construction of boundary wall, fencing, installation of gate, construction of approach and internal roads, sewage, drainage system, construction of new sheds and building, replacement of old defunct machineries, replacement of existing coal-fired boilers, installation of water treatment plant with storage tanks, pumps and piping, DG set, amongst other components.
