AMRUT funds go down the drains in Bhimavaram

Bhimavaram: The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme, which promises tap water for every family is mired by allegations of large-scale corruption involving both ruling and opposition councillors in Bhimavaram town.

The government funded Rs 47.79 crore for laying water pipeline for a distance of 124 km. 

However, alleged siphoning of funds is a reason for people to worry. 

The inferior quality works by contractor showed that the rulers had diverted the funds. 

They reportedly changed the detailed project report to suit their requirement after release of the funds.

Though the purpose of the scheme is to supply water to all till next 35 years in the town, the reality seems quite different from the guidelines framed under the scheme.

As against the guidelines to lay pipelines by digging four feet, the contractor bothered little about the rules. 

The pipelines were laid by digging two feet only. The pipeline works are supposed to be tested by Hyderabad-based Central Institute of Plastic Technology to meet the quality standards under the scheme. 

No such quality test is entertained and the works appears to be substandard.

Surprisingly, in all 39 wards, inferior quality works were progressing. 
Though the guidelines recommended pipeline should be laid on a bed prepared by chips and sand, the contractor allegedly laying pipelines without proper base. 

Each of the 39 councillors shared the embezzled funds. About Rs two lakh was benefited by the each councilor, a source said.

On the other hand, the pipeline laying had damaged main roads badly. 

The loss could be in the range of several crores of rupees, the sources said. 

Road users had tough time as the pits dug for pipelines were left to their fate. 

Bike riders and others have been suffering as they accidentally fell because of the pits.