VISHVENDU JAIPURIAR
Hazaribag, Dec18: A 16,000 litre capacity water tower constructed from Rs 14lakh collapsed when water filled during a trial in Chatra district on Friday. This has brought about irregularity in the construction of this water tower in Lovagada village in the Sadar block of Chatra.
A matter of relief was that none of the villagers present there in large numbers sustained injuries during the collapse of the tower.
Eyewitnesses said two days ago, after this tower was declared completed by a Hazaribag-based agency, water filling started as a trial. But all sudden with a loud sound, the tower collapsed. What surprised was the fact that the agency hired earth movers to remove the debris at night to cover up the matter. Now new foundation dug to construct a new tower adjacent to the collapsed one. Sources said to avoid action, the agency has removed the debris and started constructing a new tower there.
Department’s executive engineer Avik Ambala said during the trial leakage was found and so the agency is constructing the new tower there. Deputy commissioner Abu Imran said he got information about the collapse of the tower.
“I have sought a report in this regard, added he. If the report confirms collapse, action will be taken against the agency,” he added.
Sources said the drinking water and sanitation department has awarded contracts for the construction of 2500 water towers in twelve blocks of Chatra district under its jal jeevan mission (rural) scheme. All water towers will be of 16,000 litre capacity and for each Rs14 lakh sanctioned by the department. The aim behind it is to provide water facilities to Rs 2.13 lakh houses through taps. But the way, the water tower collapsed during the trial is indicating misuse of the funds and substandard work.
