In a recent press conference held on August 7, 2023, the Anti-corruption Forum (ACF) of Himachal Pradesh has brought to light alarming issues regarding various projects and utilities in the state. Here’s a breakdown of the key concerns raised:
Indict NHAI for Negligence and Environmental Damage
The NHAI is under fire for its poorly executed Chandigarh to Shimla and Kiratpur to Manali four-lane road projects. These projects have caused intermittent road blockages due to improper construction methods, resulting in devastating landslides. The NHAI officials and construction companies are called out for their negligence and urged to be criminally prosecuted. The ACF demands the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the NHAI’s malfunctioning and possible kickbacks.
Compensation for Hospitality Industry Losses
The hospitality industry in districts like Shimla, Kullu, and Solan has suffered a massive blow due to the road blockages caused by the NHAI projects. The ACF insists that the NHAI should compensate the industry with around Rs 500 crore for the financial losses incurred during the last two months, especially in July.
Call for a Commission of Inquiry
Given the recurring losses and disasters, the ACF urges the state government to institute a Commission of Inquiry, led by a retired judge from Himachal Pradesh. This commission would delve into the losses, analyze policy failures, and propose solutions to mitigate ongoing issues and disasters.
Scrutinize the Shimla Jal Nigam Prabandhan Limited (SJNPL)
The SJNPL, responsible for water and sewage management in the Shimla Planning Area, is accused of corruption and poor performance. The ACF insists that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) be formed to expose the mismanagement within the utility. It highlights inflated costs and irregularities in contracts and bids, emphasizing the need for transparent and democratic control over such critical projects.
Escalating Costs and Cartelization
The ACF highlights a pattern of inflated costs and bid irregularities in the utility projects. The SJNPL’s performance-based contracts have seen drastic price escalations within a short span. The ACF suggests that this points toward possible cartelization and calls for a halt to these practices to safeguard the state’s resources and finances. The revelations from the press conference underscore the urgent need for transparent and accountable governance in Himachal Pradesh’s infrastructure and utility projects.
Capacity wise STP’s along with length of Sewerage Network in Shimla City
| No. | Name of STP | Capacity of STP | Length of Network (Note: as per terms and conditions Deptt. Can extend the network to any extend, but the rates will remain same) | Rates awarded in whole HP by IPH Deptt. STP plus Network Upto year 2015. | Rates awarded by private company SJPNL formed in 2018. STP separately and Sewerage network separately |
| 1. | Dhalli | 0.76 MLD | 12.60 km plus 322 chambers | Rs.17 lakh /per year | Rs.140 lakh /per year (STP –Dhalli, snowden and summerhill) Plus network=55 lakh Total 195 lakh per year |
| 2. | Malyana | 4.44 MLD | 40.80 Km along with 962 chambers. | Rs.26 lakh/per year | Rs 100 lakh /per year Plus 85 lakh per year Total=185 lakh per year.l |
| 3 | Summerhill | 3.93 MLD | 15.70 km with 150 chambers | Rs.12 lakh /per year | – |
| 4 | North Disposal(Below Annandale) | 5.80 MLD | 35.80 km plus 340 chambers | Rs.28.18 lakh per year | Rs. 100 lakh per year plus 55 lakh Total =155 lakh per year. |
| 5 | Lalpani | 19.35 MLD(Biggest STP in Whole H.P) | 63.40 km plus 1460 chambers | Rs.39 lakh per year | Rs.156 lakh per year plus Rs.168 lakh per year Total=324 lakh per year |
| 6 | Snowden | 1.35 MLD | 18.50 km plus 328 chambers. | Rs.14.6 lakh per year | – |
| Total = 137 lakh per year | Total=859 lakh per year |
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