Gonda: District Magistrate Priyanka Niranjan conducted a surprise inspection of development projects in villages under Belsar Block of Tarabganj tehsil and issued strict directions to ensure accountability, transparency, and quality in the execution of public welfare works.
During the visit, the District Magistrate inspected Gram Panchayats Aakoni and Mukundpur, along with the premises of Maa Barahi Devi Temple, to review the progress and quality of various development initiatives.
Poor Condition of MGNREGA Pond Draws Action
While inspecting a pond constructed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme during the 2020–21 financial year in Gram Panchayat Aakoni, the District Magistrate expressed dissatisfaction over its condition and maintenance.
Officials informed her that former Gram Panchayat Secretary Shyam Sundar, who also served as Village Development Officer, had not yet handed over charge to the current Gram Panchayat Secretary. Taking serious note of the lapse, the District Magistrate directed District Development Officer Aditya Tiwari to initiate suspension proceedings against the concerned official for failing to transfer charge.
Directions for Beautification of Public Assets
The District Magistrate later inspected another pond developed under MGNREGA in Gram Panchayat Mukundpur. She instructed the Gram Panchayat Secretary, village head, and concerned officials to undertake proper beautification, cleaning, and maintenance of the pond to enhance its utility for local residents.
She emphasized that public assets created under government schemes must be maintained effectively so that rural communities receive maximum benefits from development investments.

Focus on Revival of Sukhui River and Temple Area Development
During her visit to the revered Maa Barahi Devi Temple, local residents informed the District Magistrate that the nearby Sukhui River was on the verge of disappearing due to neglect and environmental degradation.
Taking immediate cognizance of the issue, Priyanka Niranjan directed Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pradeep Kumar and Block Development Officer Ravi Kumar to prepare a coordinated action plan for the cleaning, rejuvenation, beautification, and protection of the river.
She also instructed officials to identify and remove encroachments and take necessary measures to restore the water body while preserving the ecological and cultural significance of the area.
Stress on Accountability and Quality
Throughout the inspection, the District Magistrate underscored the importance of maintaining high standards in development projects and ensuring accountability among officials responsible for implementation. She directed concerned departments to regularly monitor works executed under government schemes and take prompt action wherever deficiencies are found.
The inspection was attended by District Development Officer Aditya Tiwari, District Coordinator MGNREGA Janardan Prasad, Belsar Block Development Officer Ravi Kumar, Assistant Development Officer (Panchayat) Ravi Mishra, District Disaster Expert Rajesh Srivastava, Gram Panchayat Secretaries, village heads, and other departmental officials.
The visit reflects the district administration’s commitment to strengthening governance, improving the quality of rural infrastructure, and ensuring that development projects are implemented effectively for the benefit of local communities.

