Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi angry with contractors for delayed projects

MUNGER: Delay in completing drinking water projects in Munger district angered Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi who warned FIRs would be lodged against erring contractors if the projects were not completed within two months.

Manjhi's strong words came today after he visited Khaira village in Kharagpur block of Munger, which is suffering from fluoride contamination in water.

His predecessor Nitish Kumar had visited the village two years ago to see the condition of the people, and seeing the seriousness of the issue had ordered a drinking water project there. The water was to be brought to the village from Kharagpur canal.

Manjhi, who is on a two-day visit to review development work in Munger, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Khagaria districts, decided to visit the village to see the progress of the project, but was taken aback when he saw that it was far from completion even after two years.

"I have asked the contractors to deliver the project before March 5 or face the music. FIRs will be lodged against them if they do not complete it by that time," Manjhi said.

He also inspected the water pipeline project in Munger city and expressed displeasure at the tardy pace of progress. He said FIRs would be lodged against the contractors if they do not complete the work within two months.

Manjhi ordered installation of CCTV cameras at all block offices and police stations in Munger district so that senior officials can keep a watch on touts thriving around government offices.

State Urban Development and Housing Minister Samrat Chaudhary and Tourism Minister Javed Iqbal Ansari were present with the Chief Minister during his visit.