Bhubaneswar, June 9: The Odisha Government’s Water Resources Department has suspended three engineering officials over alleged irregularities in the execution of a canal infrastructure project in Bargarh district, initiating disciplinary proceedings against them pending a detailed inquiry.

The officials placed under suspension are Madan Mohan Sethy, Raj Kumar Mishra and Ranjan Patel.

According to an official order issued by the department, the action has been taken in connection with alleged lapses and irregularities in the execution of a canal development project involving the construction of a box conduit over the Bargarh distributary. The project forms part of the Phase-I Canal Front Development Works being undertaken in Bargarh town and covers the stretch between RD 3561 metres and RD 5473 metres.

The government has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the three officers under the provisions of the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962. The suspension has been imposed with immediate effect under Rule 12(1) of the OCS (CCA) Rules and will remain in force until further orders or completion of the departmental inquiry.

Officials said the inquiry will examine whether established procedures, technical standards and administrative norms were followed during the implementation of the project. The findings of the investigation will determine further action against the officers concerned.

As per the government order, during the suspension period, Madan Mohan Sethy will remain attached to the office of the Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources, Odisha, in Bhubaneswar. Raj Kumar Mishra and Ranjan Patel have been directed to remain stationed at the office of the Chief Engineer and Basin Manager, Mahanadi Basin, Burla.

The suspension reflects the state government's continued emphasis on accountability and transparency in the execution of public infrastructure projects. The departmental inquiry is expected to ascertain the extent of the alleged irregularities and fix responsibility accordingly.

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