India
oi-Ashish Rana
The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban) Executive Engineer Pawan Kumar Gupta following waterlogging in Varanasi. The action came after Urban Development Minister AK Sharma inspected the affected areas and sought accountability for the drainage situation.
Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam Executive Engineer Pawan Kumar Gupta was suspended after Varanasi waterlogging, attributed to heavy rain, pump shutdowns, and drainage management lapses, with an FIR also lodged over sandbags found in a sewer line.
An initial inquiry found lapses in Gupta’s handling of drainage-related arrangements. Gupta is posted in the Construction Division (Civil/Mechanical), according to an official statement issued on Monday.
FIR Filed Over Sandbags Found in Sewer Line
The development came as an FIR was lodged on the complaint of Varanasi Municipal Corporation against unidentified persons after sacks filled with sand were allegedly found inside a main sewer line during a sanitation drive to address waterlogging.
Varanasi Mayor Ashok Tiwari called the discovery a “conspiracy”.
A departmental inquiry has also been instituted against Gupta under Rule 7 of the Uttar Pradesh Government Servant (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1999, the statement said.
Inquiry Finds Lapses in Drainage Management
A prima facie inquiry against Gupta revealed that the required assessment and action plan for installing necessary gates or barriers to prevent river backflow at the Chaukaghat Sewage Pumping Station had not been prepared.
The inquiry also found that the required action was not taken in compliance with directions from senior authorities.
The pumps at the Chaukaghat Sewage Pumping Station and the Goithaha STP were also kept shut on September 3 and 4.
Heavy Rainfall Led to Waterlogging
According to the inquiry, the non-operation of the pumps during heavy rainfall put excessive pressure on the sewer lines, resulting in waterlogging in low-lying areas of Varanasi.
The situation caused inconvenience to the public and also affected the image of the department.
The state government said negligence in matters related to public facilities would not be tolerated and officials found responsible would face action.
AK Sharma Warns Officials of Strict Action
Urban Development Minister AK Sharma inspected waterlogging-affected areas during his visit to Varanasi on September 12 and 13.
He directed officials to make drainage arrangements on a war footing and ensure that people did not face inconvenience. During the inspection, Sharma expressed displeasure over the situation and warned of strict action against officials found negligent.
During his suspension, Gupta has been attached to the office of the Chief Engineer (Kanpur Region), Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban), Kanpur.
