Nischintakoili, Cuttack: (Reported by Akshaya Kumar Singh): The Rural Development Department is facing severe allegations of corruption after a newly constructed drain, built at a cost of lakhs of rupees, collapsed. This incident has exposed the deep-rooted malpractice and negligence within the department, raising serious concerns about the misuse of public funds. 
The contractor, in connivance with department officials, reportedly ignored construction standards, leading to the drain’s failure within days of its completion. Locals allege that the department officials turned a blind eye to the poor-quality work, allowing the contractor to proceed unchecked.
A Department Plagued by Corruption
For a long time, the Rural Development Department’s office under the Assistant Executive Engineer in Nischintakoili has been accused of functioning as a hub of corruption. Engineers and contractors are allegedly colluding to siphon off crores of rupees from government funds. The recent collapse of a newly built drain has further highlighted the department’s corrupt practices, drawing public outrage.Poor Construction Leads to Drain Collapse
The incident occurred near Ramakrishnapur Gram Panchayat under Nischintakoili block, where a newly constructed drain on Road No. 8 (A) 2 (B), built under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), suddenly collapsed. Reports indicate that substandard materials were used in the construction, and the work was carried out without proper supervision.The contractor, in connivance with department officials, reportedly ignored construction standards, leading to the drain’s failure within days of its completion. Locals allege that the department officials turned a blind eye to the poor-quality work, allowing the contractor to proceed unchecked.
Public Outcry and Demand for Vigilance Probe
The collapse has sparked anger among residents, who are now questioning the stability of other infrastructure projects under the department. Many believe that a thorough Vigilance investigation would expose the corrupt nexus between engineers and contractors.Long-Delayed Projects and Lack of Accountability
The road where the drain collapsed has been under construction for over four years, with slow progress and frequent delays. Locals accuse the contractors of working at their own pace while officials fail to enforce accountability. The recent incident has further eroded public trust in the department’s ability to deliver quality infrastructure.This incident underscores the urgent need for transparency and stricter oversight in rural development projects. If a Vigilance inquiry is initiated, the true extent of corruption within the department could be revealed, potentially leading to action against those responsible. Until then, the misuse of taxpayer money and poor-quality construction remain major concerns for the public.
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