Assam: Pathsala Municipality faces corruption allegations over failed water supply schemes

In a troubling display of alleged corruption within the Pathsala municipality, residents are raising alarms over the mismanagement and degradation of vital water supply schemes in religious areas. 

 

Approximately Rs 20 lakhs were allocated for the construction of a pure drinking water supply system in the Harimandir and Bhagwati areas. However, just a year and a half after their installation, the water pipes and basins have fallen into a state of disrepair, rendering the schemes almost non-functional.

 

"In 2022, in Pathsala, such 8 water supply project was set up. This entire project cost approximately Rs 10 lakh. Two such projects were set up here in Hari Mandir and at Bhagawati. The work started in 2022 and was completed in 2023. Public even started receiving water from this project. But for the past one year, the supply has stopped. Also, it has been alleged that very poor quality of materials have been used in the project", said Jiten Talukdar, secretary of Pathsala Bazaar Committee.

 

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The situation is particularly dire in the Bhagwati region, where the annual Rasa Mahotsav is being held amidst the deteriorating infrastructure. The contractor responsible for these projects, Hamidur Rahman of Jorhat, is under scrutiny for the poor quality of work delivered.

 

This pattern of mismanagement and corruption is reportedly endemic within the Pathshala municipality, overseen by BJP leader and corporator Jolly Chaudhary, who has been frequently accused of corrupt practices. The installation of substandard pipes and motors has been a common issue, exacerbating the failure of these schemes.

 

Despite residents informing the municipality of these issues a month ago, there has been no action taken. The municipal council has seemingly turned a blind eye to the complaints, further fueling public outrage.