Punjab set to turn junk into gold

Chandigarh, November 16, 2014: The Punjab government today approved the e-auction of old machinery and equipments of Ranjit Sagar Dam that would earn crores of rupees for the state exchequer. The process for the e-auction of 331 heavy duty machines has already started and the irrigation department expects to fetch a sum of Rs 75-100 crore through this auction.

Disclosing this here today Sharanjit Singh Dhillon said that while inspecting the works of irrigation department, he noticed that different heavy machineries and equipments that were bought by the irrigation department during 1982, 1996 and 2001 have virtually turned into scrap due to non use during last 20 years. These include heavy earth moving machinery, equipments and other heavy machinery that was bought by the state during the construction of the dam.

He said that he formed a high-level condemnation and disposal committee headed by superintending engineer and that committee after adopting due process has identified 331 pieces and five plants for e-auction through a transparent method.

"The department has started the process of disposal of these machines and is likely to complete the process of disposal of 331 heavy duty machines in next three months," informed Sharanjit Singh Dhillon.

He said that irrigation department was determined to streamline the process of procurement and disposal of machinery and this department would set an example for other departments for optimum utilisation of existing machinery and other resources.

Kahan Singh Pannu, Secretary (Irrigation) informed that these machines are being disposed of through the transparent process of e-auction and the proceeds of the auction would be deposited in the government treasury. "The auction is likely to fetch a sum of about Rs 75-100 crore," informed Pannu.

The construction of Ranjit Sagar Dam was started in the year 1985 and it was finally completed and commissioned in the year 2001. Heavy earthmoving, hydraulic and mechanical equipments were purchased for the construction of dam from 1982 to 1996.

However, the heavy duty machinery which is lying grounded could not be disposed of during the last 13 years. As a result, these machines were not only getting rusted but also giving the shabby look to the picturesque vicinity of the Dam.

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