Sir,

This refers to the report ‘Kukkarahalli Lake rejuvenation – MUDA’s DPR deal with INTACH bound by law: DC’ (SOM dated June 26, 2024) and other related reports in newspapers. The 4G exemption (exemption from calling tender/ quotation) can be given only in case of emergency with Government permission, but this was not done in this case.

It was neither an emergency nor was Government permission taken. Many other agencies would have come forward to take up the work at a much cheaper (or free of cost) price if a tender was called. Several other such empanelled agencies could have participated.

The University of Mysore is the custodian of Kukkarahalli Lake and MUDA, with no knowledge of the Lake, is in no way connected to it. Why was it entrusted to MUDA?

Even in MUDA’s meeting resolution, nothing about awarding the work to INTACH is mentioned. It is only mentioned that INTACH has come forward to take up the project.

Usually, the DPR cost is fixed based on a line estimate for any project, but there is nothing to justify the Rs. 63.80 lakh in this case.

Generally, any bill is raised after issuing a work order to proceed with the work and upon completion (fully or partly) of the work. But in this case, a bill was raised even before issuing a work order. Surprisingly, an amount of Rs. 18 lakh was paid even before starting the work.

As this involves public money, someone should answer these questions and proceed transparently with the work. There is no need to hide anything or favour anyone.

It is foolish to cut off our nose just because we have a golden knife.

– P.S. Nataraj, Brindavan Layout, 27.6.2024

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