Home / Environment / Dam Sand Removal Sparks Corruption Probe
Dam Sand Removal Sparks Corruption Probe
22 Aug
Summary
- Court mandates district geologist to oversee dam material measurement.
- Contractor seeks transit passes for previously desilted dam material.
- Third party alleges collusion to remove excess materials from dam.
The Kerala High Court has mandated that the quantity of desilted material from the Chulliyar dam in Palakkad must be measured in the presence of the district geologist. This intervention aims to prevent the illicit removal of excess materials, which could lead to significant financial losses for the state exchequer. The directive was issued in response to a petition filed by the contractor responsible for the desiltation work.
The contractor sought transit passes to remove accumulated sediments, including sand, clay, and waste oil. While the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation (KIIDC) acknowledged that a substantial quantity of desilted material remained to be disposed of, a third party intervened, alleging that the actual amount exceeded contractual specifications and suggested collusion.
To address these serious allegations, the High Court has suo motu impleaded the district geologist, Palakkad, to actively monitor the measurement process. The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 25 to review the findings and ensure transparency in the excavation and removal of materials from the dam.
