Scam in preparations for Kumbh Mela 2028? Officials act as contractors
An investigation reveals that instead of registered contractors, officials from the electricity company took on sub-contracts.
Preparations for Simhastha 2028 are in full swing in Ujjain. For this, the BJP government of Madhya Pradesh has approved development works worth nearly ₹5,000 crore. A significant amount has also been sanctioned to strengthen the electricity supply system. Meanwhile, several allegations of irregularities and scams have emerged regarding the shifting of electricity lines.
The shifting of 75 lines is underway in the Simhastha area under the supervision of the Western Region Power Distribution Company.
The state's main opposition party, Congress, has alleged that irregularities have been found in 3 of these lines. Where new poles were to be installed, only 20 percent of new poles were put up. 80 percent of old poles were reused after being painted silver. Old cables, wires, and conductors were also used, whereas according to the rules, new materials should have been used. Despite this, the concerned firms were paid ₹4.51 crore.
The investigation has also revealed that instead of the contractors listed on paper, officials of the electricity company took on the work through petty contracts. This means that the contract for the work was in someone else's name, but the work was being done by another party.
Some officials are also accused of playing a role in this arrangement. However, there has been no official response from the department regarding this matter so far.
It is alleged that in many places, instead of using new materials, old poles, cables, and equipment have been reused. In some cases, it is also being said that records of old transformers are missing. It is noteworthy that a budget of around ₹250 crore has been allocated for the shifting of electricity lines.
There are certain rules established for the work of shifting electricity lines. These include hiring a qualified contractor, surveying the site before starting work, and safely storing old materials. It is alleged that in many places, these rules were not properly followed.
According to the rules,
a GIS survey (a process to record information about existing poles, wires, and equipment) should be conducted before shifting electricity lines. This keeps a record of the condition of old poles, wires, and other equipment. The investigation claims that in many places, this survey was not conducted at all. As a result, the correct condition and information of old materials could not be recorded.
According to the rules, after removing the electricity lines, old poles, cables, and other items must be deposited in the electricity department's store. It is alleged that in many places, the amount of material recorded as deposited did not match what was found on-site. In some cases, it has also come to light that old materials were recorded as damaged.
In some areas of Ujjain, it has been reported that old poles remain even after the line shifting. According to local residents, the silver paint applied to some poles is easily coming off, raising concerns about the age of these poles. Questions have also been raised regarding the strength and safety of the poles in some locations. It is alleged that many poles do not show a concrete base.
The investigation claims that in some places, 11 kV lines were found very close to homes and shops. Additionally, some poles were found to be in weak condition. VIP movement is proposed along these routes during Simhastha, raising concerns about the safety of the electricity supply.
Some poles associated with old transformers have been found near the Sadawal helipad area, but the transformers were not found on-site. It is alleged that many transformers installed in the Simhastha area do not have available records. This raises suspicions that the equipment may have been misused.
It is noteworthy that Simhastha is one of the largest religious events in India. It is held on the banks of the Kshipra River in Ujjain. The fair is organized when the planet Jupiter enters the sign of Leo. Simhastha is held approximately once every 12 years, attracting saints, akharas, and millions of devotees from across the country.
The religious significance of this event is heightened due to the presence of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain. In view of Simhastha 2028, work is ongoing to expand roads, electricity, water, and other basic facilities.