Mysuru: Even as the authorities are making all efforts to ensure uninterrupted water supplies to all parts of the city, a city resident who smelt a scam in the engagement of water tankers, has lodged a complaint with the MCC Commissioner seeking a probe into the issue.

R. Raghu, a resident and activist of Yadavagiri, in his complaint to the MCC Commissioner, has alleged that public money is being looted by submitting fake bills in respect of the number of water tankers engaged for distribution of water to various localities of the city.

Mentioning that tenders were invited for engagement of 16 tankers of 8,000 litres capacity and 6 tankers of 12,000 litres capacity in 2016-17, Raghu said that tender was awarded to six contractors.

But one month after the conclusion of the tender process, an additional tanker was included, which has resulted in a scam of lakhs of rupees since the 29 months after the tender was awarded. Besides, the capacity of three tankers has been enhanced by 6,000 litres and that of 4 tankers by 4,000 litres each for which Rs.140 to Rs.190 is being paid more for every trip.

This unauthorised capacity enhancement and hike in rate, has led to a loot of money amounting to lakhs of rupees in which Vani Vilas Water Works (VVWW) officials are involved, he alleged.

Continuing, Raghu said that the issue was raised by some Corporators at the MCC Council Meeting held in July last, following which only 3 out of the 7 water tankers were retained for water supplies. But the officials have continued their loot with the existing four tankers, by raising forged bills, he alleged.

Alleging that the VVWW, which invited tenders in 4 packages for the year 2018-19, is yet to finalise the tender even after six months of notification.

Raghu urged the authorities to initiate action against the contractors and the officials who have connived with the contractors in the loot of money by raising fake and inflated bills.