Sudershan Mehta, a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police and whistleblower in the case, has urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to expedite its probe to identify officials involved in the misappropriation of funds intended for training staff. Mehta has already lodged a formal complaint with the CBI, alleging that senior officers siphoned off the funds.
According to sources, following the devastating 2014 floods, the World Bank sanctioned various projects in Jammu and Kashmir to enhance disaster preparedness. Among these, Rs 100 crore was allocated for capacity-building initiatives under the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority. However, Mehta alleges that these funds were misused by top officials.
In addition to filing a complaint with the CBI, Mehta has written to the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory, highlighting the urgency of a comprehensive investigation. A letter from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to the Chief Secretary has also called for appropriate action and a detailed probe by the CBI.
“It is imperative that the culprits are brought to justice through a rigorous investigation by the premier agency,” Mehta stated in his letter.
The Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project was launched in June 2015 with a $250 million loan from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). The project aimed to rebuild flood-damaged infrastructure and strengthen the region’s disaster management capabilities.
Despite multiple extensions, key projects under the initiative remain incomplete. In response to a request from the Department of Economic Affairs, the World Bank recently granted a sixth and final extension, pushing the project’s completion date to August 31, 2026.
Final Extension Focused on Key Projects
The extension prioritizes the completion of critical infrastructure, including the Lal Ded (LD) Hospital in Srinagar, a tertiary care gynecological facility, and the construction of four bridges. These projects would have remained incomplete had the current deadline of December 31, 2024, not been extended.
“This is the final extension granted on an exceptional basis, specifically for completing these projects,” stated Auguste Tano Kouame, World Bank’s India Country Director, in a letter to the Ministry of Finance.
Project Delays: A Timeline of Extensions
Initially slated to close on June 30, 2020, the project has faced repeated delays, receiving extensions in:
June 2020 (to June 30, 2021)
June 2021 (to June 30, 2022)
June 2022 (to December 31, 2022)
December 2022 (to December 31, 2023)
December 2023 (to December 31, 2024)
The latest extension until August 31, 2026, underscores the ongoing challenges in implementing the flood recovery and disaster management initiatives.
With allegations of financial mismanagement now surfacing, the project faces renewed scrutiny. Stakeholders are calling for swift action to restore public confidence and ensure accountability in the use of international funds.
EOM
