Controversy Surrounds Rs 81 Crore Suku Bridge Project in Koraput District

Allegations of Irregularities in Bridge Construction

In Nandapur, serious allegations have emerged regarding the construction of the Suku bridge, a project valued at Rs 81.34 crore, which spans the Kolab Reservoir in Koraput district. This bridge is intended to link over 70 villages in the Nandapur, Lamtaput, and Koraput blocks with the district headquarters.

However, the construction has been marred by numerous controversies. Reports indicate that significant amounts of soil are being illegally extracted from nearby hills for the project without the necessary permissions. Furthermore, it is claimed that thousands of truckloads of soil are being removed from these hills and dumped into the Kolab reservoir, leading to concerns that the reservoir is gradually being filled in.

Additionally, it has been alleged that the contractors have not paid any royalties for the excavated soil, and relevant authorities from the Mining, Revenue, and Irrigation departments have failed to take action despite being informed.

Local environmentalists and community members have voiced their worries regarding these environmental breaches and the apparent lack of accountability.

Previously, residents from the three blocks had to travel approximately 70 kilometers via Nandapur to reach Koraput, as the Kolab reservoir posed a significant barrier. Many commuters risked their safety by navigating a narrow, two-foot-wide railway track on the Suku railway bridge that crosses the reservoir.

To resolve this issue, the district administration and state government approved a new bridge project under the Biju Setu Yojana for the 2022-23 financial year. The Rs 81.34 crore project was authorized to be built alongside the existing railway bridge (No.543).

The Rural Development Department in Koraput issued a tender and awarded the contract to Shailabala Constructions, which has commenced work on the bridge.

According to the departmental approval letter (No. 28541600692022/RD) dated September 28, 2022, there were no instructions given to excavate soil or fill the reservoir during the bridge's construction. Local residents have accused the contractor of acting without oversight.

Complaints have surfaced alleging that the construction agency is unlawfully removing soil from government-owned hills and dumping it on both sides of the Kolab reservoir. They claim that no royalties have been paid for the extracted soil, which is classified as a minor mineral.

Villagers have further alleged that various agencies, including the Koraput Rural Development Department, Mining Department, Revenue Department, and the authorities overseeing the Kolab reservoir, have remained silent despite being aware of the situation.

When approached for comments, an anonymous official from the Koraput Rural Development Department stated that the supervision of excavation and reservoir filling does not fall within their responsibilities. He emphasized that the bridge construction must adhere to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by the department.

Pradeep Kumar Nayak, Deputy Director of the Minor Mineral Department, remarked that such actions are illegal and subject to legal penalties. He noted that the materials in question are classified as minor minerals and that the consultancy agency has yet to provide a formal response.

Krushnachandra Khuntia, the District Mining Officer, confirmed that he is aware of the complaints and stated that the department has initiated proceedings to issue a notice and impose penalties on the contractor.