Panaji: A complaint has been filed with the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in Altinho seeking a detailed investigation into alleged large-scale financial irregularities and corruption in several projects executed by the Water Resources Department (WRD) of the Government of Goa.

RTI activist Sudip Narayan Tamankar submitted the complaint on March 13, 2026, requesting an inquiry under the Prevention of Corruption Act and other relevant laws into alleged misuse of public funds, violations of engineering norms, and irregularities in multiple barrage and flood-control projects.

According to the complaint, several projects were allegedly undertaken without proper Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), scientific hydrological studies or environmental assessments, and without consultation with affected villagers. The complainant alleged that such actions indicate possible abuse of official position, unjustified cost escalation, favouritism in awarding contracts, and violations of procedures laid down in the CPWD Works Manual.

Projects Under Scanner

The complaint raises concerns over several WRD projects, including:

• Khandepaar Barrage: The project reportedly faced strong local opposition even before commencement of work. The complaint claims the project was allotted to a contractor but remains unexecuted amid administrative changes and disputes.
• Ganjeem Barrage Upgradation: The height of the barrage was increased from four metres to six metres with mechanical gates at a cost exceeding ₹100 crore. The complainant alleged that closing the gates beyond the earlier level could submerge nearby villages and farmland due to lack of adequate hydrological assessment.
• Twin Barrages at Sal in Bicholim: Initially estimated at around ₹70 crore, the cost of the project reportedly escalated to more than ₹400 crore.
• Kushawati Barrage: The estimated project cost allegedly rose from about ₹40 crore to nearly ₹140 crore.
• Amthane Dam Beautification Project: The project reportedly saw cost escalation while work remains incomplete. The complaint also alleges negligence that damaged an existing dam gate, forcing authorities to empty the reservoir and replace the gate at higher cost, disrupting water supply to Bardez for over a month.
• Mirabag Barrage Project: The complaint highlights a major escalation in project cost and alleged distribution of work among multiple contractors. The Mirabag barrage has already become a subject of public protests in recent weeks, with villagers opposing the project over environmental and flooding concerns.
• Tar River Flood Control Project (Mapusa): The complaint alleges violations of engineering standards during embankment construction, including improper layering of earth, inadequate compaction, and mixing of boulders with soil.

Alleged Tender Irregularities

The complainant also questioned the alleged splitting of works into multiple tenders, including additional desilting contracts after the main project was awarded. Such practices, the complaint claims, raise concerns about manipulation of tender procedures and financial propriety.

Demand for Investigation

Tamankar has urged the ACB to Conduct a detailed investigation into planning, approval and execution of the projects, Examine reasons for abnormal cost escalation, Probe possible favoritism in awarding contracts,
Fix responsibility on officials and contractors involved, Initiate action under the Prevention of Corruption Act if irregularities are established.
The complaint states that since the projects involve expenditure of several hundred crores of public funds, a thorough investigation is necessary to ensure transparency, accountability and protection of public money.