Alleged Misappropriation of Funds in Soil Conservation Department, Activists Seek Intervention of Anti-Graft Bodies

By Agencies 

Srinagar, Dec 14: Serious allegations of misappropriation of funds and misuse of government schemes have surfaced within the Department of Soil Conservation in Central Kashmir’s Srinagar and Ganderbal districts.

Insiders said that some officials are being accused of engaging in fraudulent activities, leading to significant financial loss to the public exchequer.

Sources told CNS that two officers are under the radar. They are Assistant Soil Conservation Officer and Soil Conservation Assistant. These officers are allegedly involved in the mismanagement of several welfare schemes such as fertilizer distribution, vermicompost pits, seed distribution, and water harvesting. Despite substantial funds being allocated for these public welfare projects, no actual implementation of the schemes has been witnessed on the ground, raising serious questions about the utilization of resources.

Insiders added that despite claims of progress, the schemes appear to be non-existent in practice. The absence of tangible results, combined with reports of misappropriated funds, suggests that large sums allocated for public good have been diverted, resulting in a financial irregularity within the department.

This mismanagement threatens not only the public trust in the functioning of government programs but also raises concerns about the integrity of the entire department.

Sources added that anti-graft bodies are likely to take cognizance of this mismanagement and alleged corruption.

A group of people urged the anti-graft bodies that all records related to these schemes, including fund allocations for the current year, be seized immediately to prevent tampering with evidence.