JORHAT, May 10 - The Brahmaputra Board Chairman Rajiv Yadav today announced in Majuli that an independent inquiry will be ordered soon to probe allegations of irregularities committed in the ongoing works carried out by a private firm to protect the island from large-scale unabated erosion by the Brahmaputra.
A Majuli district administration official told this newspaper that Yadav, accompanied by the Majuli Deputy Commissioner (In-Charge) Noren Das, Superintendent of Police Hitesh Chandra Rai, Romen Dutta, a representative of the Chief Minister, this morning held a discussion with people representing various organisations of the river island at the Circuit House at Garamur regarding the charges of massive irregularities surfacing against the private firm.
The official said that Yadav after listening to complaints of the villagers, said that he will order an inquiry to be conducted by a high-level team of officials of the Central Water Commission to probe the allegations of irregularities committed in carrying out protection works by the private firm under supervision of the Board.
He further stated that stern action would be taken against if any person associated with the project was found to be responsible for indulging in malafide activities. He also announced of constituting a group in Majuli soon involving local people to monitor the laying of geo-bags as part of the protection works appropriately as per norms.
The district administration official further said that Yadav stated the Board will carry out protection works in areas severely hit by erosion including Bhakat Sapori during the rainy season. Yadav informed that for this purpose the Superintendent Engineer of Jorhat Circle of the Board Gaya Prasad Singh will be camping in the Brahmaputra island to supervise the works.
The Chairman also said that the Board has imposed fine on TK Engineering as per rules for carrying out work at a slow pace. Representatives from Senior Citizens� Association, Pensioners� Association, AJYCP and district journalists� association were among those who attended the meeting with Yadav.
