Farakka officials junk Didi theory

Mamata complained that because of the damaged gates,88 per cent of the Ganga water diverted to Bhagirathi was going to Bangladesh,instead of the 33 per cent agreed. Actually,the leakage has been allowing 85,000 cusecs instead of 33,000 into Bangladesh. Ganga water is diverted at 40,000 cusecs via a feeder canal to Bhagirathi.

Chairman,Central Water Commission,R C Jha,has been told to conduct the probe and submit a report in 15 days. Water Resources Minister Pawan Bansal will inspect the site on March 3.

The reports regarding a conspiracy are incorrect, said Farakka barrage project general manager A K Sinha. A tender was floated for installation of gates soon after gate No. 13 got washed away and gate No. 16 broke down8230; Initially not a single agency turned up. Later,an agency started work but it left within days because the job was difficult.

Officials also deny Mamatas charge that repair has been stalled. Sinha today sent a fax message to the state irrigation department,saying No. 16 has been repaired and No. 13 will be repaired by mid-March.

CWC member A K Ganju is inspecting the reinstallation work.