Lucknow/Varanasi: The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended an executive engineer of Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban) following serious lapses in the operation of pumps at the Chowkaghat Sewage Pumping Station and the Goithaahan Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), which contributed to waterlogging in parts of Varanasi during heavy rainfall.
The action followed Urban Development and Energy Minister A.K. Sharma’s inspection of waterlogged areas during his Varanasi visit on September 12 and 13. Sharma expressed strong displeasure over the situation and directed officials to ensure drainage arrangements on a war footing, stressing that residents should not face inconvenience because of administrative negligence.
Pawan Kumar Gupta, Executive Engineer in the Construction Division (Civil/Mechanical) of Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban), Varanasi, has been suspended on the basis of prima facie findings of serious negligence and indifference in the discharge of his official responsibilities. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated against him under Rule 7 of the Uttar Pradesh Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1999. The Chief Engineer (Purchase), Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban), Lucknow, has been appointed as the inquiry officer.
According to the findings, Gupta failed to prepare an estimate and action plan for installing the required gates or barriers to prevent river backflow at the Chowkaghat Sewage Pumping Station. He also allegedly failed to take the necessary action on directions issued by senior officials.
The inquiry has further found that pumps at the Chowkaghat Sewage Pumping Station and Goithaahan STP remained shut on September 3 and 4. During heavy rainfall, the delayed operation of the pumps placed excessive pressure on sewer lines, resulting in waterlogging in low-lying areas and causing inconvenience to residents.
Sharma had made it clear during his Varanasi visit that negligence in dealing with a public issue such as waterlogging would not be tolerated. He directed officials to closely monitor all pumping stations and drains and to take immediate corrective action wherever deficiencies or lapses were detected.
The government said the suspension sends a clear message that negligence, indifference or failure to comply with directions in matters directly affecting public welfare will invite strict action. The Urban Development Department is also focusing on effective and permanent solutions to waterlogging in cities while strengthening accountability among officials.
During the suspension period, Pawan Kumar Gupta will remain attached to the office of the Chief Engineer (Kanpur Region), Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban), Kanpur, and will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
