Moving earth in mountainous Mizoram is apparently the job of two-wheelers, not excavators.
A report of the Comptroller and Auditor General has unearthed anomalies in the implementation of Border Area Development Programme (BADP) from 2012-2017 along Mizoram’s border with Myanmar.
Earth-cutting and excavation along the border were done with scooters, motorcycles, auto-rickshaws and cars, the report underlining “doubtful hiring of excavators” tabled in the 40-member Assembly a week ago.
According to the CAG report, Mizoram’s Rural Development department and block development officers of Champhai and Lungsen Blocks hired “earth excavators” for 67 road projects along the border.
A cross-check of the registration numbers of the “earth movers” mentioned in money receipts with the State Transport Department revealed they were two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and small cars.