A MGNREGA project in Sofipora Panchayat of Zainapora has come under scrutiny amid allegations that the work is being executed at a location different from the one officially sanctioned — in defiance of a stop-work order issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Zainapora.
The project, titled “Construction of crate bund from the land of Mohd Hussain Bhat to the house of Mohd Yaqoob Reshi at Nallah Tongri, Hydergund”, was approved under work code 1422001039/FP/8808596172. The complainant, Mohd Hussain Bhat — also the applicant — has alleged that the work is not taking place at the designated site mentioned in the official documents.
“I waited several years for this project to be sanctioned. Now that it finally was, the work is being done at a different location. This is sheer injustice,” Bhat told GNS.
A joint report submitted by the Panchayat Secretary and officials from the Rural Development Department confirmed the concern, stating that “the instant work has not been executed on ground according to the nomenclature of work.”
In an official order, a copy of which lies with GNS, the SDM Zainapora clearly stated: “The work shall remain stopped and no payment shall be released unless it is executed strictly at the approved location.”
Despite this directive, Hussain allege that the construction continued at the disputed location.
Following the complaint, Mohd Hussain Bhat was reportedly taken into custody — a move that has drawn strong reactions from several public representatives.
The former MLA and current DDC member of Zainapora, speaking to GNS, remarked: “Mr. Hussain from Hydergund, Zainapora has been jailed — not for any crime, but for simply raising his voice against the illegal diversion of a bund sanctioned by RDD. Instead of addressing the genuine public concern, the administration chose to punish the complainant. Is this the new way of dealing with public grievances — silence the voice instead of solving the issue? This is not justice, this is suppression. I demand his immediate release and a fair, transparent inquiry into the matter.”
The SDM has reportedly sought an action-taken report from concerned authorities and reaffirmed that the work must be carried out strictly at the approved location as per the project nomenclature. (GNS)
