CBI likely to probe phumdi removal project
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 12 2015: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to investigate the project of removing phumdis (floating biomass) from Loktak Lake.

Notably, the project was taken up at the cost of Rs 224 crore (approximately) which was funded by the Planning Commission.

However, BJP MP and Manipur in-charge Prahlad Singh Patel raised a motion in the Parliament apart from filing a written complaint seeking investigation by the Central Vigilance Commission on the charge that several crores were misappropriated out of the project.

In response to his written complaint, Central Vigilance Commission Director HK Beniwal sent a letter to Prahlad Singh Patel on September 29 informing that the Department of Personnel, Cabinet Secretary had been intimated to take up necessary action.

An aerial view of Loktak lake with the phumdis

Notably, the CBI functions under the Cabinet Secretary.

Briefing media persons on the issue of phumdi removal project at their office today, former Minister and BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesman M Hemanta and general secretary (administration) M Ashnikumar said that they were confident of a CBI investigation into the scandal.

K-Pro Infra Works Private Limited based at Delhi which was registered only in June 2009 was selected as the work agency for removing phumdis and beautification of Loktak Lake the same year. BJP National leaders have been investigating how Rs 224 crore sanctioned for removal of phumdis from Loktak Lake was misappropriated.

After BJP-led NDA came to power at the Centre, the Planning Commission was disbanded and in its place, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Ayog was set up.

Soon after, BJP Manipur Pradesh submitted a written complaint seeking thorough investigation into the Loktak scam.

Even as the Prime Minister's Office demanded a detailed report about the issue from the Governor of Manipur, no satisfactory response was received, said Hemanta and Ashnikumar.

They claimed that the issue was raised in the Parliament after MP Prahlad Singh Patel was given all the details of the issue.

As the Central Vigilance Commission has already referred the matter to the Cabinet Secretary, it is most likely that CBI would investigate the issue and come out with all the facts, they asserted.

BJP Manipur Pradesh has already urged the authority concerned to book all the culprits at the earliest.

The deafening silence maintained by Chief Minister O Ibobi who is also the Chairman of Loktak Development Authority on the issue of misappropriating a huge amount of public money has only aroused more suspicion.

To put to rest all the suspicions, the Chief Minister should come out with a convincing explanation, the BJP leaders demanded.

It is rather disappointing that no irrigation projects are able to serve their intended purposes fully although numerous irrigation projects were taken up in the State.

Whereas Khuga Project has turned out to be a big flop, Thoubal Multipurpose Project could not be commissioned till date.

Relevant agencies/authorities would be asked to investigate properly into all the grievances of people affected by Thoubal Multipurpose Project regarding payment of compensation.

Alleging that MPs/MLAs have been misusing 25 per cent of MGNREGS funds, Hemanta and Ashnikumar informed media persons that they have written to the authority concerned to investigate the matter.