Ajay Sharma
Rajouri, January 11: Even when the government is claiming to bring transparency in awarding tenders, serious allegations of corruption and nepotism have emerged in ongoing demarcation and boundary wall construction work in Jungrial forest areas under the Nowshera Forest Division in Rajouri district.
According to sources, the contractor awarded the work for erecting boundary walls is a former officer of the Forest Department.
“Furthermore, one of his close relatives currently serves as an in-charge Range Officer in the Social Forestry wing,” said sources, adding that the contractor has been using substandard materials in the construction.
Specifically, specifications require six 6-foot iron rods per pillar, but in many sections—estimated at 60-70 pillars—only one or two rods have been used, or none at all.
“This has led to several walls being demolished after inspections revealed the poor quality,” said sources, adding that despite these irregularities being flagged in the past, including during the tenure of former Commissioner Secretary Forests Sanjeev Verma, who allegedly ordered the demolition of 6-7 faulty walls but took no further action, the contractor has not been blacklisted.
Sources claimed that this is due to the contractor’s connections, including the influential position of his relative in Social Forestry, who allegedly has significant approach with senior officials.
“There was also a viral audio clip against the Range Officer in the past as well, where he purportedly discussed transfers and postings involving payments of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 to senior officers,” said sources adding that this influence allows the contractor to secure favorable postings and avoid accountability.
Sources shared that the affected area is said to include the Gangriyal forest compartment in Nowshera Division.
Locals have appealed for intervention, urging the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to conduct a thorough on-site inquiry, blacklist the contractor, and register an FIR against those involved.
Despite repeated attempts to reach the concerned Range Officer, Block Officer, and Demarcation Department officials for comment, none of the officials were available for comments.
