Chilka lake project funds siphoned: Jagdev

Puri, June 13 (UNI) Orissa unit of Bharatiya Janata Krushak Morcha (BJKM) president Krushna Chandra Jagdev has alleged that a nexus among contractors, engineers and politician has led to the siphoning majority of the funds allocated for Chilka Lake Development Project (CLDP).

Mr Jagdev, who led a fact-finding team to the work site of the lake for an on-the-spot investigation, told newsmen here that only 20 per cent drainage work was completed so far though it was scheduled to have been completed by this month.

He said the 11th Finance Commission has allocated Rs 20 crore for CLDP, including clearing of the weeds from the lake, removal of silts and widening of the rivers connected to the lake.

Mr Jagdev had warned that the slow progress and 'sub-standard' work could lead to another devastating flood in the area this monsoon.

The BJKM president said in the first phase about Rs two crore was alloted for digging and widening the river bed of Daya to increase the water discharge capacity of the river and speedy disposal of the flood water but no tangible work has been done so far.

He had also urged Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik to order a thorough probe into the developmental programme for CLDP.

UNI