FIRs and arrests within 15 days in cases of irregularities; MLAs to receive computerised reports of all projects

Kolkata, 24 July (H.S.): The West Bengal government has announced a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and irregularities in drinking water projects. Replying to the discussion on the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department's budget in the Assembly on Friday, Public Health Engineering Minister Ajay Poddar said strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty of malpractice or poor-quality work.

The minister said that wherever irregularities or deficiencies in project execution are detected, FIRs will be registered and the process of arresting those responsible will begin within 15 days.

Poddar made it clear that no individual involved in corruption, negligence or procedural violations would be spared. He also warned that officials who approved bills for substandard or irregular works would face suspension and departmental action.

He said the Jal Jeevan Mission remains one of the state's top priorities, with the government focusing on reducing dependence on groundwater and maximising the use of surface water resources.

Referring to Birbhum district, the minister said the region has six small rivers where check dams can be constructed to conserve rainwater. Citing Gujarat's Narmada model, he said that if check dams could transform drought-prone regions there, a similar model could be implemented successfully in water-rich West Bengal as well.

All MLAs to receive computerised project reports

To strengthen transparency and independent monitoring, Poddar announced that every MLA in the state would receive a computerised report within the next five days detailing all PHE projects underway in their respective constituencies.

He urged legislators to physically inspect the projects and assess their progress on the ground. The minister also said he would personally visit all districts along with departmental officials to review the implementation of drinking water schemes.

Poddar further informed the House that the government has set a target of completing all drinking water projects by December 2028. With around 29 months remaining to achieve the target, he said the department is committed to completing all projects within the stipulated timeframe while ensuring quality and accountability.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh