Kakinada: DPO denies charges of corruption in purchase of bleaching powder

Kakinada: District Panchayat Officer S V Nageswar Naik has dismissed reports of corruption in the purchase of bleaching powder. He made it clear that Collector D Muralidhar Reddy did not order any inquiry. The allegations are false and fabricated and heinous in nature at a time when they were striving hard to contain Covid-19.

Giving details of the purchase deal, he said that the order had been placed with Sree Rayalaseema Hi-strength Hypo Ltd (TGV group of companies). About 37.2 metric tonnes of bleaching powder bags worth Rs 12.4 lakh were supplied. They were distributed to 39 Panchayats in the district. While the market price of one bag was more than Rs 1200, the company supplied it at the rate of Rs 1,000 only. So far not a single rupee was paid to the company.

Both Panchayats and Municipalities are using bleaching powder for cleaning the roads and surroundings. In certain important areas they are also using sodium hypochlorite.

Naik told The Hans India that there are 1,103 Panchayats in the district and 2,700 metric tonnes of bleaching powder would be utilised for keeping cleanliness and maintaining hygienic conditions within three months. They require 67 metric tonnes of bleaching every month.

A comprehensive report with details would be submitted to Collector shortly.