The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has criticized the Meghalaya Department of Fisheries for an “idle expenditure” of Rs 1.44 crore on a fish market in Nongpoh’s Saiden village. The modern market, funded by the National Fisheries Development Board, has remained unused for over three years due to what the CAG deems an imprudent site selection.
The CAG found that the construction project, approved at Rs 1.65 crore, included various components such as a market building, fencing, approach road, rainwater harvesting, transformer installation, and the purchase of freezers and water storage tanks. However, the market, inaugurated in August 2018, was handed over to the Dorbar Shnong committee only in July 2019, almost a year later.
Despite efforts to attract more consumers by allowing the sale of additional items like meat, vegetables, and fruits, the market failed to gain traction. An attempt to lease it out also proved futile after receiving no responses to an expression of interest.
A joint physical verification revealed that the market building, equipped with 22 stalls, freezers, and a transformer, was located 6.2 km away from the Nongpoh market and remained unused. The CAG report highlighted the absence of a feasibility study before selecting the site, resulting in low footfall and defeating the purpose of providing a modern market for fish farmers.
The Department of Fisheries defended its decision, stating that the location was chosen for its logistical convenience, as it was near the Guwahati-Shillong National Highway and provided free of cost. However, the CAG pointed out the lack of recorded evidence for the claimed joint survey, spot inspection, or review meetings with stakeholders.
The wasteful expenditure underscores the need for thorough planning and feasibility studies in public projects to ensure effective utilization of resources.
