Bilal Bhat
Pulwama, July 30: Official records obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by RTI applicant Bilal-ur-Rehman have raised serious questions over the execution of several development works in Halqa Tumlahal of Block Lasipora, with a subsequent ground verification by the Awami Reporter team revealing apparent discrepancies between the sanctioned estimates and the physical status of the works.
The RTI documents accessed by Awami Reporter relate to irrigation channels, road works and borewell projects executed in the area. The records include sanctioned estimates, technical specifications, quantities, rate analyses and payment-related details. Following an examination of these records, the Awami Reporter team visited the sites to verify whether the works had been executed in accordance with the sanctioned specifications.
One of the works pertains to the construction and development of a nalmukh (irrigation channel). According to the sanctioned estimate contained in the RTI records, excavation was to be carried out to a depth of approximately three feet. However, during field inspection, several stretches of the channel were found to be only about six inches deep.
The difference is substantial. Six inches constitute nearly 16.7 per cent of the sanctioned depth, leaving a shortfall of about 83.3 per cent if the measurements observed during inspection are representative of the completed work.
When contacted by Awami Reporter, Block Development Officer (BDO) Ashraf Mir said that excavation in such works does not necessarily remain uniform throughout the entire alignment and that certain portions could indeed measure around six inches depending on the site conditions.
However, Awami Reporter notes that while natural variations in excavation may occur, the sanctioned estimate available in the RTI records specifies the approved dimensions for the work. If engineering conditions required deviations from the sanctioned design, such changes would ordinarily be expected to be supported by revised technical approvals, measurement entries and corresponding documentation. Whether such records exist remains a matter requiring verification by the competent authorities.
The RTI documents further reveal that five borewell works were sanctioned in the same panchayat. According to the records examined by Awami Reporter, each borewell was sanctioned to a drilling depth of 120 feet.
During physical verification, the Awami Reporter team inspected two of these borewells. One measured approximately 40 feet, while another measured around 70 feet.
If these measurements are accurate, the first borewell reflects a shortfall of 80 feet, representing only 33.3 per cent of the sanctioned depth. The second reflects a shortfall of 50 feet, amounting to about 58.3 per cent of the sanctioned depth.
Awami Reporter sought clarification from the BDO regarding these discrepancies. The officer stated that misleading information may have been provided and assured that every possible action would be taken wherever irregularities are established. He also informed Awami Reporter that the matter is already under examination by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB).
The RTI documents examined by Awami Reporter also raise additional questions that warrant independent scrutiny. According to the records, five borewell works were sanctioned in the locality. Local residents have alleged that the beneficiaries are contractors who also own apple orchards. Awami Reporter has not independently verified the eligibility of each beneficiary under the applicable scheme, and the authorities have not yet responded in detail regarding the beneficiary selection process. The circumstances nevertheless raise questions that merit official clarification, particularly if the scheme was intended to create assets for wider public benefit.
The sanctioned estimates supplied under the RTI contain detailed technical specifications, quantities and rate analyses for excavation, stone work, cement concrete, carriage of materials and other components. These records form the basis on which public funds were reportedly released. Whether the quantities recorded in official measurement books accurately correspond to the work executed on the ground can only be conclusively determined through a detailed technical audit and verification of the Measurement Books, drilling logs, completion certificates, geo-tagged photographs, billing records and payment vouchers.
The discrepancies highlighted by the RTI documents and the subsequent field inspection underscore the need for a transparent and independent investigation. Where public money is spent on development works, every sanctioned foot of excavation, every sanctioned foot of drilling and every rupee released from the public exchequer must withstand scrutiny. The ongoing examination by the Anti Corruption Bureau assumes added significance in light of the questions emerging from the RTI records and the physical verification carried out by Awami Reporter.
