Going green: Chief secretary asked to plug misappropriation of ADB funds

PHC warns of tasking FIA, NAB of conducting probe in case of failure.

PESHAWAR:

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday directed Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) chief secretary to investigate where development funds issued by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) were being misappropriated and identify those responsible.

A green division bench comprising PHC Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan and Justice Asadullah Khan Chamkani also directed the environmental protection department to join hands with the irrigation department in the latter’s operation of separating sewerage lines carrying contaminated water from canals around the provincial capital.



Officials of the irrigation department told the bench the department launched its operation on May 18, and has since been working on separating sewerage lines from water canals.

The official said the department set May 25 as the deadline to divert sewerage lines, which led to some resistance from people and police help was sought as a result. He added people were demanding alternate solutions but their demands could not be considered.

The court expressed concern over the failure of authorities, saying ADB has released funds for specific projects. It then directed K-P chief secretary to hold a meeting to pin responsibility on those guilty of negligence and misappropriation.

The bench warned of tasking the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and National Accountability Bureau (NAB), in case the chief secretary failed to expose the culprits. The hearing was later adjourned till July 21.

In a separate case, the bench issued bailable arrest warrants for the director and director general of the forest department along with the director general of the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) for their failure to appear before the court. The warrants were issued while hearing a suo motu notice over excessive tree felling in the city.

The court maintained the presence of concerned officials was imperative and their negligence was tantamount to contempt of court.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2013.