Allegations of Irregularities in Rapti Canal Construction in Balrampur, Former MLA Demands High-Level Inquiry

बलरामपुर उत्तर प्रदेश | अनिरुद्ध शुक्ल

Construction Under Scrutiny Amidst Allegations of Corruption

Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh – September 18, 2026 – A controversy has erupted in the Gasdi assembly constituency of Balrampur over alleged irregularities and the use of substandard materials in the construction of the **Rapti Canal**. Local former MLA **Shailesh Kumar Singh 'Shailu'** has raised serious questions about the quality of this construction, terming it a grave matter of corruption.

Singh claimed that the construction work does not meet the prescribed standards and is employing low-quality materials. He has formally informed the state's Minister for Jal Shakti, the Principal Chief Engineer of the Irrigation Department in Lucknow, and the Chief Engineer of the Saryu Project in Gonda via a letter sent on **September 15**.

Concerns Over Quality and Past Performance

In his letter, **Shailesh Kumar Singh** emphasized that local public representatives had previously lodged complaints regarding the poor quality of construction. He also noted that the work previously carried out by the involved firm was also unsatisfactory.

Demand for Technical Inquiry and Action Against Culprits

**Shailesh Kumar Singh** has urged senior officials of the Irrigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and take strict action against those found responsible. He highlighted the project's direct connection to the interests of farmers.

The former MLA warned that if the construction work is not improved, the canal's water supply could be disrupted in the future, directly impacting the region's agriculture. He has appealed to the government to immediately dispatch a technical team to the site for an impartial assessment of the construction quality.

Furthermore, he demanded stringent departmental action against the guilty officials and the construction firm to prevent the misuse of public funds and provide relief to farmers. The silence from the Irrigation Department officials on this matter has fueled discussions in the region.