The Minor Irrigation Department gives contradictory answers on a single query
26 Apr, 2014
Barrage construction across Chandragiri River in Kerala was taken up many years ago to prevent saline water intrusion and thus enable the use of water from the river for drinking purposes. However, as it appeared to be going nowhere, applications were filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by two individuals separately to know the progress of the work regarding the ongoing barrage construction.
On May 31, 2013, the Minor Irrigation Department (MID) informed the RTI applicant M K Radhakrishnan that 42 percent of the work of the barrage construction was complete and the rest of the work is likely to be completed in a couple of months. Eight months later, on January 28, 2014, it was informed to V Gopinathan that only 19.38 percent of the work was complete after spending a sum of Rs. 2,77,42,535 on the construction.
The contradictory answer on a single query regarding the progress of barrage construction across Chandragiri River has left the people shocked. The Kasargod People’s Forum, a social organisation, was demanded that the true facts be brought before the people. The Executive Engineer of MID K R Venugopala Pai claimed ignorance over the issue and has assured to look into the matter.