File pic for representation.

Vasai: Maharashtra government has ordered an inquiry into the drain desilting works carried out in the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) area, directing officials to submit a report within eight days.The announcement was made in the state legislative assembly on Thursday, after concerns were raised over widespread flooding and alleged irregularities in pre-monsoon desilting works.The issue was raised through a calling attention motion by Vasai MLA Sneha Dubey-Pandit, who alleged that the flooding witnessed across several parts of the city following two days of heavy rain was not merely the result of intense rainfall, but also due to administrative failure and alleged corruption in drain desilting works.Dubey-Pandit questioned the effectiveness of VVMC’s flood mitigation measures, including road elevation projects, installation of flood gates and other infrastructure works, claiming that despite official assertions that these projects had been completed, several areas continued to remain inundated.She also alleged that the city is yet to prepare a comprehensive underground sewerage network and storm water drainage master plan. Referring to recommendations made by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), she claimed that the report had not been implemented and that the process of obtaining permission from the Bombay High Court for mangrove relocation to restore natural water channels had also not been initiated.The MLA demanded that the probe should not be restricted to desilting works alone, but should also examine the tendering process, cost estimates, administrative approvals, payments made to contractors and the role of officials involved in executing the works.Responding to the discussion, minister of state for urban development Madhuri Misal said the government had directed that the desilting works be investigated and a report submitted within eight days. She also announced that a full-time city engineer would be appointed in VVMC within 15 days.