ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

IAS Officer Who Could Have Saved Chennai Was Transferred

IAS officer Vijay Pingale, who warned about the Chennai floods, was transferred by the government.

Updated
India
1 min read
story-hero-img
i
Aa
Aa
Small
Aa
Medium
Aa
Large
Hindi Female

As Chennai begins its long road to recovery, IAS Vijay Pingale is perhaps one person we should all remember. Pingale, who is reputed to be competent and scrupulous, was shunted out of the Corporation of Chennai by the government. He had taken to task contractors who had botched up road work in the city. His move was not appreciated and he was transferred to the industries department on 14 November.

Officials admitted, on the condition of anonymity, that the contractor lobby was responsible for this decision. Pingale had promised to name other contractors for poor work, and penalties were likely to rise.

At a monsoon review meeting, an official alleged that Pingale was taunted for being a straight arrow.

“It was because of his expertise that we were able to limit waterlogging when it rained,” the official said, speaking to Times of India. “If he remained in the corporation for two more years or so, he could have truly helped it move forward.”

Contractors have admitted to forming a cartel, using poor quality material to lay roads and bribe councillors. Corruption at various levels in the corporation have left the city’s roads riddled with potholes and broken with the first monsoon rain.

Read the full story here.

(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)

0

Read Latest News and Breaking News at The Quint, browse for more from news and india

Published: 
Speaking truth to power requires allies like you.
Become a Member
3 months
12 months
12 months
Check Member Benefits
Read More
×
×