CBI probe needed as project failed to deliver results

Open house: Should CBI handle alleged corruption case of Mani Majra water supply project

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Issue At Hand

The Vigilance Department has launched a probe into 24×7 water supply pilot project in Mani Majra after city BJP president Jatinder Pal Malhotra wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging corruption in the execution of works. The Vigilance will soon summon officials concerned to seek information regarding the project, for which Rs 75 crore had been allocated under the Smart City Mission. The project was inaugurated by Shah in August 2024. In the wake of Malhotra’s allegation that corrupt officials were “ruining” the dream of Viksit Bharat, an independent probe needs to be conducted to expose the wrongdoing and wrongdoers before bringing them to task.

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QUESTION for next week

Chandigarh has secured a position in the Super Swachh League cities under the three to 10 lakh population category of the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, but failed to improve garbage-free city star rating. What needs to be done to make the City Beautiful the cleanest city?

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Suggestions in not more than 150 words can be sent to openhouse@tribunemail.com by Thursday (July 24)

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Fit case for handing over to top agency

Officials of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) seem to have played with feelings of Mani Majra residents. Water is second most essential requirement next to the air for the survival of human beings. The MC spent huge funds, around Rs 75 crore, since inception of the scheme to make water available 24×7 in the City Beautiful. It’s sad to say that the project failed to deliver positive results. Instead muddy water is supplied throughout the day. Water bills have been increased considerably. Residents feel cheated. It’s a fit case to be handed over to the CBI for fixing accountability and punish culprits.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

Agency probe depends on various factors

The decision to handover the water supply pilot project case to the CBI or another independent agency would depend on various factors. If the alleged corruption involves financial transactions or high-ranking officials, an independent agency might be better equipped to handle the investigation. If there’s a perception of bias or conflict of interest within the UT Vigilance Department, an independent agency could hold a more impartial probe. Such probe will ensure that those responsible for any wrongdoings are held accountable. Views of Mani Majra residents can be considered by the agency during probe.

Kirpal Singh, Chandigarh

Involve Resident Welfare Association

Chandigarh’s dream of 24×7 water supply is getting too long to fulfil as allegations of corruption have created hurdles in completion of the project. Such dishonest acts should be probed by an independent agency like the CBI. Officials of Chandigarh might get a clean chit if the UT Vigilance Department takes up this case. An independent agency should procure all project-related documents from the Administration. The agency should also take into account views of the resident welfare association regarding the water supply project.

Sunny Dhaliwal, Chandigarh

Agency probe will delay investigation

Demanding probe by another agency in water supply project will delay investigation due to unknown reasons. The UT Vigilance Department should probe allegations of corruption in execution of the water supply project in a time-bound manner and submit its report. Handing over the probe to another agency will not only defeat the purpose of inquiry, but also dilute the case.

Col (retd) TBS Bedi, Mohali

Competent authority can conduct probe

Allegations of corruption in Chandigarh’s 24×7 water supply project raises serious concerns and must be entrusted to a competent authority for thorough, impartial and timely investigation. Chandigarh, proudly known as the “City Beautiful”, carries the responsibility of providing its residents with clean and safe drinking water. Unfortunately, it has been observed that tertiary treated water, intended only for parks, is being misused by street vendors to prepare tea, pani puri and other edibles. This poses a grave health risk. Many countries claim their toilet water is cleaner than our drinking water. Why should Chandigarh settle for less?

Vijay Katyal, Panchkula

Make sure that investigation is fair

The allegations of corruption in the Rs 75-crore 24×7 water supply project in Manimajra are grievous. Given the scale of the project and public interest involved, it is essential that the probe is fair. While the UT Vigilance Department has initiated an inquiry, handing the case to an independent body like the CBI or a court-monitored agency would ensure greater transparency and credibility. This is especially important when political figures are involved, as internal probes often raise doubts about impartiality. Clean water access is a basic right. Misuse of funds in such a project undermines both governance and public trust. An independent investigation would send a strong message that corruption is not to be tolerated.

Sarita Ranjan, Chandigarh

Time for action, not mere discussion

This is a critical moment for action, not mere discussion. The ruling government’s apparent efforts to conceal its shortcomings demand a strong response. Citizens must take responsibility for ensuring clean governance by directly lodging complaints with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The government’s inaction on pressing issues cannot be ignored any longer. Delays and excuses only perpetuate inefficiency and corruption. This is the time to act boldly, ensuring transparency and integrity in governance.

Narinder Banwait, Chandigarh

Impartial probe can bring out truth

The UT Vigilance Department has started an investigation into the 24×7 water supply pilot project in Manimajra after allegations of corruption surfaced. The Opposition is demanding that the case be handed over to the CBI or another independent agency, while citing that only an impartial and thorough probe can bring out the truth. They believe that the Vigilance Department, being part of the UT Administration, may not be able to conduct a fair inquiry, especially if senior officials or influential people are involved. Given the serious nature of allegations and the large amount of public money spent on the project, a transparent and independent investigation is important to win public trust. If there is nothing to hide, then handing the case to a central agency will only help in clearing doubts and setting an example of clean governance. The final decision should aim at ensuring justice, accountability and building public confidence.

Harinder Singh Bhalla, Chandigarh

Form panel of experts to review project

The Municipal Corporation authorities should form a committee of experts to find out the reasons behind the failure to supply sufficient potable water from Manimajra plant. This committee should study the project cost. If some financial irregularities are found, case should be handed over to CBI for further investigation. The tenure of such committee should also be fixed.

KC Rana, Chandigarh

Corruption hinders nation’s growth

We all know that health is wealth. Clean water, air and food is all citizen’s minimum requirement. If any country is not able to provide these to its citizens then there is no point in paying taxes, voting and living here. This is the very reason of bright minds leaving the country and providing their services in other countries. Corruption has hindered our great nation’s growth in spite of having the brightest and hardworking people who work in other countries. Mindset has to change to loving one’s country and people and not think about only money. People in power should be investigated. They must give answers for wasting taxpayers’ hard earned money in such a poor country.

Dr Monica Agarwal, Chandigarh

Start project after consulting residents

The execution of the water supply should definitely be investigated. Action plan must be in place to save taxpayers’ money. The city has was dug up for the project. There was a promise of repairing roads in one to two years which is yet to be fulfilled. A project should be started after consulting residents. There is no need of 24×7 water supply in the City Beautiful. Clean potable water supply for a few hours is enough. Our country needs a lot of reforms.

Dr Monica Agarwal, Chandigarh

Public funds not for private gain

Given the scale of alleged corruption in the Rs 75-crore Manimajra water supply project and the serious concerns raised by the Opposition and city BJP chief, an independent and transparent probe is essential to restore public trust. The UT Vigilance Department’s inquiry is a welcome step, but to ensure impartiality and eliminate any conflict of interest, the case must be handed over to the CBI or another credible independent agency. The involvement of central agencies would not only deter political shielding, but also set a precedent of zero tolerance towards graft in public projects. A thorough, time-bound investigation by an autonomous body is the only way to ensure justice and reinforce the principle that public funds are not for private gain.

Gaganpreet Singh, Mohali

Need audit of city water infrastructure

Given the scale of alleged financial, technical, and administrative irregularities in Rs 75-crore Manimajra water supply project, a mere departmental probe carries risks of being toothless and compromised. The gravity of public complaints — ranging from contaminated water to missing tenders and unhedged foreign loans —demands a court-monitored investigation by the CBI or SIT under a senior judge. This would ensure transparency, shield investigators from political pressure, and restore public trust. Moreover, suspending further disbursement of Smart City funds until the pilot project’s performance is independently verified is essential. A citywide audit of water infrastructure must follow, with accountability fixed at every level. Anything less would be a betrayal of taxpayer money and civic dignity.

Gurpreet Kaur, Mohali

CBI has specialised expertise for probe

Given the serious corruption allegations in the Rs 75-crore Manimajra water supply project, demanding an independent probe is justified. The UT Vigilance Department, while competent, may face perceptions of bias or limitations due to its position within the implicated administration. To ensure absolute credibility, public trust and an unimpeded investigation, handing the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is strongly recommended. The CBI has the necessary independence and specialised expertise in complex corruption cases, and nationwide jurisdiction to follow evidence without local constraints.

Gurdev Singh, Mohali

Investigation should be transparent

The UT Vigilance Department’s probe into the Rs 75-crore Manimajra 24×7 water supply project must be transparent and impartial. Given the project’s high-profile launch by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and public complaints about poor water quality and erratic supply, the Opposition’s demand for a CBI or court-monitored SIT probe is justified. The Vigilance inquiry can be compromised due to alleged pressure from senior bureaucrats and political figures. Transferring the case to the CBI or an independent SIT under judicial oversight would ensure credibility, thoroughness and accountability. This move would address public concerns, restore trust, and uphold the integrity of the Smart City Mission.

Sargunpreet Kaur, Mohali

Probe by agency can prevent cover-ups

To ensure a fair and impartial investigation, the case should be handed over to the CBI or an independent agency. This is necessary to prevent any potential cover-ups or influences from local authorities. An independent agency will bring transparency and credibility to the investigation, helping to uncover the truth behind the alleged corruption. Furthermore, this will also help to restore public faith in the system and demonstrate the government’s commitment to accountability and good governance. The investigation should be time-bound, and the findings should be made public to ensure justice is served.

Sahibpreet Singh, Mohali

Form panel for technical audit

Allegations of corruption require a thorough transparent and credible investigation to restore public confidence as Rs 75 crore is a substantial public expenditure. If the UT Vigilance inquiry is still in the early stages and has not shown bias or inefficiency, only then escalate to the CBI or a court-monitored special investigation team (SIT). Side by side, the government might commission an independent technical and financial audit by neutral experts. Usually public service corruption cases have often been investigated by the CBI, especially where local mechanisms are seen as compromised or ineffective.

Anita K Tandon, Mundi Kharar

It will ensure truth prevails

The recent probe launched by the UT Vigilance Department into the Rs 75-crore 24×7 water supply pilot project in Manimajra raises serious concerns. Allegations of corruption in a project meant to improve basic civic infrastructure must not be taken lightly. While the Vigilance Department’s inquiry is a step forward, public confidence demands a more transparent and impartial investigation. Given the scale of the project and the involvement of multiple stakeholders, the Opposition’s demand to hand over the case to the CBI or an independent central agency appears justified. An unbiased probe will not only ensure accountability but also set a strong precedent against corruption in public works. The residents of Chandigarh deserve clarity and justice. Only an independent investigation can ensure that truth prevails.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Poor governance depleted funds

Before committing for 24×7 water supply in Chandigarh, the authorities should have assessed water availability and feasibility. Three to four hour daily water supply is sufficient fill overhead tanks. Poor governance by the Municipal Corporation has depleted fixed deposits forcing the civic body to avail loans under the pretext of round the clock water supply. Such politically motivated projects often fail due to inefficiency and corruption, benefiting leaders while burdening residents. A CBI inquiry is needed to hold officials concerned responsible for this financial strain on Chandigarh residents.

Col (retd) Balbir Mathauda, Chandigarh

City’s population is exploding

Going by the facts, the population of the City Beautiful is exploding. There is shortage of water to fulfil needs of the ever increasing headcount of residents leave alone visitors who come to the city for work. Before filing cases of corruption or assigning the case to CBI, let all stakeholders sit together and discuss how can the Administration provide round the clock water supply to Manimajra in the long run? Is this economically feasible and the source of water has been earmarked for this project? Do residents really need this much water on a daily basis? If this project is successful it will be replicated across all sectors in the city.

Dr Rajeev Kumar, Chandigarh

Accountability in project execution

To handle corruption in the 24×7 water supply pilot project in Manimajra , ensure transparency through regular audits and public disclosure of project details. Implement a robust monitoring system to track progress and identify irregularities. Encourage whistle blower policies and provide protection to those who report corruption. Consider involving independent third-party agencies to oversee the project and investigate any allegations of corruption. Strict action should be taken against those found guilty.

Dr Shruti K Chawla, Chandigarh

Form panel to make project viable

Soon after the inauguration of the dream 75-core water supply project in Manimajra , public anguish surfaced due to its inadequacy/failure. It seems no comprehensive feasibility/technical studies were undertaken while conceiving this ambitious project which sunk taxpayer money. The situation demands a CBI monitored probe or SIT investigation to fix accountability of officials concerned. A high-power technical committee can be formed to suggest ways and means to make the project viable.

SS Arora, Mohali

Chandigarh