Unveiling the Theog Water Supply Scandal: Corruption and Negligence Exposed
In a shocking follow-up to the ongoing investigation into the Theog water supply scam, new details have emerged about the extent of corruption and negligence within Shimla’s Theog assembly constituency. Initial findings had already revealed that locals were supplied with contaminated, non-potable water sourced from drains. However, further investigation has uncovered a series of fraudulent activities involving forged water bills, falsified tanker trips, and unchecked payments to contractors.
Instead of supplying clean water from the designated Lelu Bridge, contractors filled tankers with dirty water from drains and delivered it to the residents of Theog. This unfit water was distributed without any oversight or proper verification.
Falsified Records and Forged Bills
The investigation has revealed a troubling pattern of falsified records. Contractors manipulated the number of trips made by water tankers, and these records were never verified by Jal Shakti Department employees. Spot checks were bypassed, and the vigilance team discovered that water bills were forged, leading to payments for services that were never rendered.
Junior engineers and clerks prepared and approved the bills without verifying whether water was collected from the designated Lelu Pul source. The assistant engineer signed off on the bills without review, and the executive engineer approved and forwarded the files for payment. These lapses resulted in payments for fake services, highlighting severe inefficiencies within the department.
Vigilance Team Intensifies Investigation
The vigilance team has interrogated 25 individuals, including tanker owners, drivers, contractors, and Jal Shakti Department employees. They are examining digital data and other records to uncover the full extent of the scam. Employees at the Lelu Pul pumping station confirmed that no water had been lifted from the designated source.
Former Theog MLA Rakesh Singha, who had raised concerns over the water supply issues earlier, visited the vigilance office and demanded a transparent and impartial investigation. Singha, who obtained information about the scam through RTI, expressed dissatisfaction with the initial handling of the matter and called for swift action to address the corruption.
The vigilance team continues to piece together the full scope of the scam. With further interrogation of contractors, engineers, and other involved parties, more revelations are expected in the coming days. Authorities have indicated that a case could be registered within few days, and the full extent of the scam is likely to be revealed within the week.
