Questions raised over Rs 7 crore Shankarpur water supply scheme in Chimur, probe sought

Questions are being raised about the functioning of a water supply scheme of about Rs 7 crore built in Shankarpur village of Chimur taluka. Under the Centre's Jal Jeevan Mission, the aim is to deliver tap water to every household. But residents have doubts about the Shankarpur scheme.

It is said that a large sum has been spent on the scheme. Ashok Chaudhari, along with citizens, has demanded a thorough inquiry into the actual state of the water supply, and that the truth be placed before the people.

Shankarpur is an important village. It has a large population, neighbouring connected villages, schools, a college and a primary health centre, and also a settlement of traders. Residents therefore need regular and safe drinking water. Work under the Jal Jeevan Mission has been completed, yet it is said that an on-site check is needed to see whether people are getting water as expected.

Those making the demand say that giving tap connections in front of houses, laying pipelines and putting up water tanks is not enough. What matters is whether these facilities deliver water daily, whether the pressure is adequate, and whether water reaches all beneficiaries. If there are complaints that the scheme is not functioning properly, the department concerned should visit the site and clarify the situation.

Chaudhari has asked for an account of the Rs 7 crore expenditure. The demand is that the following be made public: how much funding was sanctioned for the scheme, how much was actually spent, whether the quality of the work was checked, and on what basis the work completion certificate was issued.

He has also said that a technical and financial audit of the scheme should be carried out. The pipelines, motor pumps, water tanks and distribution system should be inspected. How effective the tap connections are and what the quality of the water is should also be examined.

It has also been demanded that if the inquiry finds the work incomplete, finds technical flaws or finds the work substandard, responsibility be fixed and action taken as per rules. A deadline should also be set for fixing the shortcomings, and regular water supply should be started for citizens.