Memorandum submitted to Water Resources Department seeks site inspection, technical inquiry and action against those responsible; Executive Engineer assures investigation
Published on: July 07, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Allegations of irregularities and poor construction quality in the Jamri Diversion Canal lining project have triggered protests by villagers in Rajnandgaon district, with residents demanding an impartial inquiry into the work and action against those found responsible.
Claiming that repeated complaints over the past year had gone unaddressed, a large group of villagers, led by Janpad Panchayat member Sarita Madan Sahu, submitted a memorandum to the Executive Engineer of the Water Resources Department seeking an immediate site inspection and technical verification of the project.
According to the villagers, the canal lining was of substandard quality from the outset. They alleged that despite repeatedly raising concerns with the department over the past year, neither a site inspection nor a physical verification of the work was carried out.
The protesters further claimed that departmental inaction resulted in the canal lining being damaged again during the first spell of rain and water flow. They alleged that the incident not only led to the misuse of public funds but also adversely affected the interests of farmers and local residents.
The memorandum submitted to Executive Engineer Ramteke demanded an immediate site inspection of the Jamri Diversion Canal lining work, an impartial physical and technical assessment of the construction, strict action against the officials and contractor found responsible for any deficiencies, and disclosure of the action taken to the villagers.
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The protesters alleged that the department’s failure to respond despite continuous complaints reflected administrative negligence. They warned that if an impartial inquiry is not conducted and appropriate action is not taken at the earliest, villagers, along with farmers from the region, would be compelled to launch a larger public agitation, for which they said the administration would be responsible.
After receiving the memorandum, Executive Engineer Ramteke assured the delegation that the matter would be examined and appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the rules. He said all issues raised in the complaint would be investigated seriously before further action is initiated.
Among those present during the protest were District President of Kisan Congress Madan Sahu, former Zila Panchayat member Kranti Banjare, Deputy Sarpanch Tuleshwar, former Sarpanch Manoj of Argaon, Keval Kumbhkar, Poonam Sahu, Likeshwari Sahu, Yogeshwari Sahu, Lukeshwar Kumbhkar, Gayatri Sahu, Lalit Sahu, Sangeet Sahu, Bihari Sahu, Mukesh Sahu and a large number of villagers.
The key demands raised in the memorandum include an immediate site inspection of the Jamri Diversion Canal lining work, an impartial physical and technical verification of the construction, strict action against officials and the contractor responsible for any substandard work, making the inquiry report public, and ensuring quality construction in future to safeguard the interests of farmers.
