R17 lakh per valve in water pipeline project, MC quotes without support

In an apparent move to mislead the Municipal Corporation (MC) house, the public health department of the civic body has quoted an imaginary figure of Rs 17 lakh per valve in Rs 1.15-crore project.

The project pertains to supplying, laying, commissioning and testing of Ductile Iron (DI) sluice valves and motor-driven actuator in water pipeline, under the third phase, from Kajauli water works to water works in Sector 39, Chandigarh.

The department has put the agenda item for approval in the house meeting scheduled on August 29.

The public health department of the MC has prepared an estimate of Rs 1.15 crore but interestingly, the department has not attached quotations and analysis of the rates of valves of different companies. Out of the total 14 valves installed on the water line, the MC has proposed to change five valves, which have become non-functional over a period of time.

To get the approval from the house, the department has quoted Rs 17 lakh per valve, but has, however, not mentioned how it arrived at the said rate since the department has not attached any supporting documents of the companies pertaining to the rates of valves.

Though the agenda item mentions the names of four makes of valve - VAG Valve, AVK Valve, Indian Valve Company (IVC) and Kirloskar, but its seems that IVC make has been deleted.

When contacted, Harinder Singh, executive engineer, public health division no-1 said, the complete details of the project are attached with Detailed Notice Inviting Tenders (DNIT). Regarding the deletion of the name of IVC company, he said, "I do not remember, but I think, IVC is also a part of the approved make."

The MC has proposed to change the sluice valves installed in 1994 in the third phase pipeline from Kajauli water works to Sector 39 Chandigarh as they have become non-functional and unserviceable.

Efficient functioning of these valves is necessary for a smooth functioning of the third phase.

BJP councillor, Rajesh Kumar Gupta, said, "The department is making mockery of the system. Why have they not attached the quotations? We will not approve this item until the full details are attached with it. Moreover, the deletion of IVC has raised doubts about the integrity of the officials."