Imphal, January 31 2009: With regard to the construction work of structures for the Manipur Sericulture Project undergoing at Sangaipat in Imphal East, the State Government has been accused of indulging in gross irregularities such as marked deviation from blue print displayed, lack of quality control and construction of drain without necessary work order.

These accusations, were made by the Sangaipat Development Authority (SADAU).

Speaking to some reporters today, SADAU president Manihar Goswami said that construction of a ring road which should be made around the project area has been put to halt after making a short stretch.

Recalling that the authority mentioned about constructing a storage site to collect toxic effluents, Manihar observed that there is no sign of any such storage facility till date.m What is more surprising is that the drainage being constructed in the eastern side of the project complex without necessary work order.

Cracks have also developed at several points and it has been found that the drain is being built by putting a thin layer of sand over mud, alleged Manihar.

Saying that the Sericulture Project is being taken up with loans provided by the Japan Bank of International Corporation, Manihar asserted that according to Japanese planner Homa, the proposed ring road around the project complex should be made accessible to the public.

There should be a moat inside the ring road and all around the project complex.

According to the planner, the compound fencing should be transparent, said Manihar.

Incidentally, Sericulture Minister L Jayantakumar came to the project site at the time when the press meet was going on.

On being asked about the allegation of constructing drain without work order, the Minister replied in the affirmative.

The drain was constructed by some contractors on their own, said the Minister adding that the lost should be theirs.

The account for the first phase of the project was closed in March 2008.There is no amount for the project at present, Jayantakumar said.

Decorative works like planting trees and some other small budget works are being done from a separate account of the State Government, he clarified.

It is reported that officials of the Union Textiles Ministry and Central Silk Board may visit the State for evaluation of the sericulture project next month.

They would be followed by JBIC officials.

Amount for the second phase of the project may be released after the officials' visit.

The existing stage of the project is not yet fully complete, the Minister stated.

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