Third party check likely for major irrigation projects

Mysore, July 26 (UNI) In a bid to check large scale corruption in the irrigation department, the Karnataka Government proposed to bring in a policy to make payments exceeding Rs two crore to contractors of irrigation projects only after a quality check by a third party.

Talking to reporters at Krishna Raja Sagar reservoir near here today, Water Resources Minister K S Eshwarappa said the issue would be taken up at the next Cabinet meeting. A private agency would be entrusted with the work and proper guidelines issued. Payments would be released only on the basis of the agency's report.

Referring to the drinking water problems in many districts, he said the irrigation department had convened a district elected representatives meeting in Bangalore on July 31 to chalk out the future course of action and the Government had earmarked Rs 900 crore particularly to take up drinking water problems of Kolar and Tumkur districts.

Mr Eshwarappa said the Government was trying to complete the ongoing irrigation projects by spending Rs 1,042 crore this year.

Stating that there was no truth in former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) President H D Deve Gowda's remarks that some of the BJP leaders were involved in destabilising the JD(S)-BJP coalition Government, he said the State BJP was united and there was no groupism. He exuded confidence that the coalition Government would complete its full term.

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