Meghalaya’s Former CM Mukul Sangma Demands Probe into Ganol Hydro Project, Questions over 65% Rise in Project Cost in 11 Years
First Published: 7th June, 2025 19:33 IST
The project cost has shot up by over 65% from Rs 356.43 crore in 2014 to Rs 590.88 crore in 2025
In a sharp attack on alleged financial irregularities plaguing the Ganol Hydro Electric Project, Leader of the Opposition and former Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has demanded an immediate independent investigation, including a social audit, into what he termed as potential misuse of public funds and abuse of authority.
The demand comes amid mounting concerns over transparency and governance failures in major infrastructure projects in Meghalaya.
Sangma expressed deep scepticism over the dramatic rise in the project’s cost—from Rs 356.43 crore in 2014 to Rs 590.88 crore in 2025—calling it “deeply questionable” and suggestive of manipulation.
Conceptualised in 2007, the project has seen repeated cost escalations: Rs 507.71 crore in 2019 due to quantity revisions, Rs 535 crore in 2023, and now Rs 590.88 crore. Sangma questioned how the same contractor, who initially agreed to a lower cost, continued the project without protest until a “new opening” under the current government allowed inflated cost adjustments.
“How is it possible for a power project to undergo such frequent and sharp cost revisions?” he asked, warning that such practices could set dangerous precedents across the country.
He also criticised the government’s silence on inflated coal extraction figures citing a jump from 2–3 lakh MT to 32 lakh MT and accused the administration of remaining in denial.
Sangma further asserted that a scam “cannot be ruled out” and emphasised the urgent need for accountability to restore public trust in governance and infrastructure development.
Also Read: Meghalaya Health Dept Assures Strict Action In Case of Lapses in Death of a Pregnant Woman in Jowai
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Closing Strait of Hormuz Would Be a Grave Mistake: US Warns Iran
22nd June 2025Live UNSC to Hold Emergency Meet Tomorrow on Iran’s Request Over US Strikes
22nd June 2025
Live Iran Parliament Approves Closure of Strait of Hormuz After US Strikes on Nuclear Sites
22nd June 2025Live Iran Foreign Minister Slams US Strikes, Cites Violation of International Law and Global Threat
22nd June 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case: 2 More Arrested in Indore
His detention is linked to the disappearance of several items believed to be important to the investigation.
22nd June 2025
Meghalaya’s Youngest Everester Rifiness Warjri Returns Home to a Hero’s Welcome
Meghalaya’s youngest Everester, Rifiness Warjri returned home on Saturday after scalling Mount Evereat, the highest peak in the world. With eyes brimming with tears and a heart swelling with pride, 20-year-old Rifiness Warjri returned home to a hero’s welcome having etched her name in history as the youngest from Meghalaya to conquer Mount Everest. When […]
21st June 2025
BSF Begins Fencing Indo-Bangladesh Border in Meghalaya; Area Around 59 km Unfenced: IG Upadhyay
BSF has described the pace of work in ongoing stretches as “satisfactory,” with hopes to complete them within the next three to four months.
21st June 2025
Expert Committee Report on State Reservation Submitted to Government: Meghalaya CS
The committee held multiple meetings, including physical meetings in Shillong
20th June 2025
Meghalaya Man Bludgeons Wife to Death, Wraps Body in Blanket
The murder came to light after Khongstia’s relatives filed an FIR on May 30, prompting a police search.
20th June 2025