Ahmedabad’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has initiated a review of alleged financial discrepancies in the Amdavad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) tree plantation programme after reported expenditure climbed to Rs. 131 crore, far exceeding the originally sanctioned budget of Rs. 69 crore.
According to media reports, the ACB has sought a detailed explanation from the Director of the Parks and Gardens Department regarding the sharp increase in spending. The bureau has also asked for complete records related to tenders and expenses incurred under AMC’s flagship ‘Mission Four Million Trees’ initiative.
Confirming the development, Parks and Gardens Director Amrish Patel told a section of the media that the department had received a formal communication from the ACB requesting extensive information, including details of all tenders issued for plantation work and the reasons behind the cost escalation. He said the agency would decide on further steps after reviewing the documents submitted.
The Parks and Gardens Department has been facing scrutiny for some time over the issuance of multiple tenders for plantation-related activities. Patel said AMC has also set up an internal committee to investigate the expenditure that exceeded the previously approved estimates.
“The ACB has asked for all relevant records, including technical qualifications and tender documents, and we will submit the required information,” Patel said, adding that the department would extend full cooperation to the probe.
The ACB is expected to examine the submitted records before determining its next course of action in the matter.
Also Read: Cost Of Gujarat’s Growth Story: Declining Tree Cover https://www.vibesofindia.com/cost-of-gujarats-growth-story-declining-tree-cover/
