Dalit IAS officer who exposed scam in Jal Jeevan Mission in J-K being harassed: Congress
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Monday alleged that a Dalit IAS officer who exposed the "multi-crore Jal Jeevan Mission scam" in Jammu and Kashmir was being targeted and asked why the National Commission for Scheduled Castes was not acting on his complaint.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged at a press conference that instead of finding the real guilty behind the alleged Rs 13,000-crore scam in the Jal Jeevan Mission, IAS officer Ashok Parmar who brought the scam to light was being harassed.
"Will Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government answer why a Dalit IAS officer was harassed and targeted, even though he exposed a 'scam' of Rs 13,000 crore? Why were other officers who embezzled funds, scammed the exchequer and looted our people promoted," he asked.
He claimed that despite complaints to the Home Ministry and despite demand for a CBI investigation, why has the Jammu and Kashmir administration or the Narendra Modi government not ordered a detailed investigation into multiple irregularities and corrupt practices in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
"Why has the National Commission of Scheduled Castes not given a show cause notice to the office of the Lieutenant Governor despite serious allegations of harassment, intimidation and maltreatment made by a Dalit IAS officer? Wouldn't they be charged under the SC-ST (Prevention of) Atrocities Act after due investigation," the Congress leader asked.
Khera alleged that the Modi government which sends the CBI, ED, Income Tax, Vigilance officers knocking on the doors of opposition leaders at the drop of a hat did not bother to even form an internal investigation into the extremely serious allegations and documents provided by IAS officer Parmar.
"The people of India now know everything. They will give a befitting reply to the BJP in 2024. Judega Bharat, Jeetega INDIA," he said, referring to the opposition alliance's tagline.
IAS officer Parmar has approached the National Commission for Scheduled Castes alleging harassment by the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
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Karnataka Maritime Board announces plans for Mangaluru Water Metro Project
Mangaluru (Karnataka), Nov 4: After being endowed with multi connectivity facilities like three national highways, port and airport, Mangaluru city is now looking at a significant move towards sustainable urban mobility as the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has announced plans for the Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP), officials said on Monday.
This ambitious initiative aims to transform public transportation in the state, utilising National Waterways to connect areas along the Nethravathi (NW-74) and Gurupura (NW-43) rivers, they said.
Set to become India's second-largest water transport system after Kochi, the project promises an eco-friendly, economical and efficient mode of travel, the officials said.
According to officials, the MWMP will connect isolated communities from Bajal to Maravoor, enhancing accessibility and promoting the holistic development of these regions. The initiative is expected to boost local livelihoods and improve the standard of living through integrated transport networks.
According to the project report available with PTI, the MWMP will be rolled out in phases, with the initial stretch covering 30 kilometres along the Nethravathi and Gurupura river backwaters.
The priority route, beginning at Bajal on the Nethravathi and extending to the Maravoor Bridge on the Gurupura, will feature around 17 modern Metro stations.
Key locations such as Someshwara Temple, Ullal and the New Mangalore Port are included in the proposed route. State-of-the-art electric and diesel catamaran boats will be deployed, equipped with essential amenities to ensure a high standard of comfort and operational efficiency.
A comprehensive Feasibility Report (FR) will assess the project's viability, presenting a detailed cost-benefit analysis, market potential, operational strategies and environmental considerations.
"The report will objectively evaluate the project's merits and challenges, providing crucial information for decision-makers, stakeholders and investors," they said.
Officials in the port and fisheries subdivision told PTI that key areas of analysis has been based on assessing the potential to decongest old port areas, exploring the feasibility of cargo movement using Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) water metros, examining water level variations influenced by tidal flows, integration with feeder services to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity, demand forecasts over a 25-year period, based on extensive socio-economic research of usage and utility of the MWMP.
The project's Terms of Reference (ToR) emphasise sustainable development, involving thorough site identification, user demand assessments and environmental impact studies. Comprehensive surveys such as LIDAR mapping, bathymetric studies and topographical analysis will ensure accurate planning and implementation, the officials told.
Furthermore, technical collaborations with national institutes of repute will support studies on wave tranquillity, vessel height clearance and infrastructure recommendations for jetties and repair facilities, they said.
A detailed environmental monitoring programme will assess air and water quality, noise levels and aquatic biodiversity in line with Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) guidelines, the officials added.
The officials of the Maritime Board said the MWMP promises significant economic and environmental benefits, from easing traffic congestion to reducing air pollution. The project will also explore non-fare revenue streams and develop models to ensure financial sustainability.
A socio-economic impact assessment will measure the project's contribution to regional development, backed by projected revenue from passenger fares and ancillary services, a senior official said.
The Board also aims at championing cleaner and greener transportation and to set a precedent for sustainable urban mobility, positioning Mangaluru as a progressive city that leverages its waterways, he added.
