Crime in Odisha / Odisha Govt Files FIR against Andhra Contractor over Water Project Delay

Puri, Sep 5: The Odisha government has toughened its stance against non‑Odia contractors accused of delaying mega drinking water projects and leaving villages in distress.

The spotlight is now on Andhra Pradesh‑based GPR Infra, which has been named in an FIR filed at Brahmagiri police station.

According to officials, the company was awarded responsibility in 2022‑23 to supply clean drinking water to 59 villages in Brahmagiri block’s Bhandarikuda area. Instead of completing the work, the firm allegedly dug up roads and left large pits for pipelines unfinished, abandoning sites midway.

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Villagers in Rayabidhar, Manapada, Kushubenti, Brahmania, Kahalpada, Dharanikudi, and Badabenakudi panchayats have been suffering due to the stalled project.

Earlier, the Panchayati Raj and Rural Water Supply Department had withheld salaries of engineers for negligence. Now, the government has escalated action by filing a police case directly against the contractor.

RTI data has revealed startling figures: out of 207 projects worth ₹35,000 crore awarded to outside contractors, only 32 projects have been completed by August. Across districts like Puri, Ganjam, and Jajpur, unfinished works and abandoned sites have left villagers frustrated.

Officials say the government will no longer tolerate delays. “Mega water projects must be completed on time. Contractors failing to deliver will face strict action,” a senior officer stated.