Manohar Parrikar alleges irregularities in irrigation projects in Maharashtra

PANAJI: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today alleged irregularities in all irrigation projects in Maharashtra, including the Tillari project bordering the state.

"All irrigation projects in Maharashtra are scam. I am saying this on record," he told the State Legislative Assembly, while speaking on demands for grants.

"We know about Tillari irrigation project. How much of cement is used and how much is soil cannot be ascertained."

Parrikar claimed cement purchased for irrigation projects in Maharashtra is sold in the black market in Goa.

"Our own contractors buy because a bag of cement costing Rs 335, costs Rs 280 if it is purchased from these black marketers from Maharashtra," he added.

Speaking on the floor of the house, he conceded that Goa's open borders allow this raw material to be brought into the state.

The state government had recently faced problems after Tillari irrigation canal breached leaving the crops downstream dry.