How was ₹800-cr scam undertaken by Tata firm & India’s largest container port’s ex-staff?
In a shocking revelation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has flagged cumulative losses exceeding ₹4,200 crore in a dredging project undertaken by Tata Consulting Engineers and India’s largest container port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPA). The investigation has revealed that former staff of Tata firm and JNPA were involved in a massive scam that led to a financial loss of ₹800 crore. The officials chose a deeper 15-metre vessel draft instead of the recommended 14-metre, causing a loss of ₹1,163 crore. Additionally, they opted for a single rate for dredging of different rock types, resulting in a loss of ₹557 crore. Furthermore, the contractors undertook dredging for excess width, leading to a loss of ₹964 crore.
The CBI has issued summonses to the accused officials and contractors involved in the scam. The investigation is still ongoing, and it is expected to uncover more details about the scam and the extent of the financial losses.
The JNPA dredging project was undertaken to deepen the port’s channel to accommodate larger vessels. However, the officials involved in the project took several wrong decisions that led to the financial losses. The CBI investigation has found that the officials chose a deeper vessel draft without conducting a thorough study or getting the necessary approvals. This decision led to the loss of ₹1,163 crore, as the port had to pay more for the dredging work.
Another major irregularity found by the CBI was the single rate for dredging of different rock types. The officials involved in the project did not follow the standard procedure of charging different rates for different types of rocks. This led to a loss of ₹557 crore, as the port had to pay more for the dredging work than what was actually required.
The CBI has also found that the contractors involved in the project undertook dredging for excess width, leading to a loss of ₹964 crore. The officials involved in the project did not supervise the work properly, and the contractors took advantage of the situation to undertake more work than what was required. This led to a significant financial loss for the port.
The CBI has summoned the accused officials and contractors involved in the scam. The investigation is still ongoing, and it is expected to uncover more details about the scam and the extent of the financial losses. The officials involved in the project have been accused of corruption, and they may face serious charges if found guilty.
The JNPA dredging project was a major undertaking that aimed to deepen the port’s channel to accommodate larger vessels. The project was expected to boost the port’s capacity and revenue. However, the scam undertaken by the officials involved in the project has led to a significant financial loss, and it may take years to recover from the damage.
The CBI investigation has highlighted the need for better supervision and monitoring of government projects. The scam undertaken by the officials involved in the JNPA dredging project is a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government projects. The officials involved in the project have been accused of corruption, and they may face serious charges if found guilty.
The JNPA dredging project is a major setback for the port and the government. The project was expected to boost the port’s capacity and revenue, but the scam undertaken by the officials involved in the project has led to a significant financial loss. The government needs to take immediate action to recover from the damage and to prevent similar scams in the future.
In conclusion, the scam undertaken by the officials involved in the JNPA dredging project is a major scandal that has led to a financial loss of ₹800 crore. The CBI investigation has found several irregularities, including the choice of a deeper vessel draft, single rate for dredging of different rock types, and undertaking dredging for excess width. The officials involved in the project have been accused of corruption, and they may face serious charges if found guilty. The government needs to take immediate action to recover from the damage and to prevent similar scams in the future.
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