Deulgaon Raja activist seeks probe into power pole work and tree felling, complains to Mahavitaran

Work to erect electric poles is under way along the road from Deulgaon Raja to Khalyal Gavhan. Social activist Samadhan Dilip Misal has demanded a thorough inquiry into the quality of the work, public safety and the felling of trees during the work.

Misal has submitted a complaint petition to the Chief Engineer of the Akola circle of Mahavitaran. Copies were also given to the Chief Executive Engineer, Akola, and the Chief Conservator of Forests, Amravati.

Misal wrote in the petition that the work is being carried out by Mahavitaran. Complaints have been made several times earlier about the quality of the work, the placement of the poles and public safety. He has also drawn attention to the felling of trees during the work.

He alleged that despite repeated complaints, no concrete action has been taken against the contractor concerned. Misal suspects that the Mahavitaran sub-executive engineer concerned in Deulgaon Raja is shielding the contractor. He has therefore sought an impartial inquiry into the whole matter at a senior level.

Misal has demanded a thorough investigation into the role of both the officer concerned and the contractor. He wants a written reply on what action was taken on the earlier complaints. If the inquiry establishes collusion or dereliction of duty, strict administrative and legal action should be taken against those concerned as per rules.

The petition also asks that senior technical officers visit the site themselves and check the quality of the work, safety and compliance with the relevant rules.

On the tree felling, Misal has made a firm demand that, after an inquiry, saplings be planted as per rules in proportion to the number of trees cut. The responsibility for the care, watering and protection of the newly planted trees should also be fixed on the contractor. A copy has been given to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Amravati, so that senior Forest Department officers look into the matter and take appropriate action.

The petition further demands that the complaints received so far, the inquiries conducted and the decisions taken be reviewed and a full written report be provided.

Copies of the petition have also been sent to the Managing Director of Mahavitaran, the Superintending Engineer, Buldhana, the District Collector, Buldhana, the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Buldhana, and the Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department, Buldhana.

Misal has warned that if proper action is not taken, he will take the matter to senior administrative offices and also launch an agitation by democratic means.