Punjab government today approved the e-auction of old machinery and equipment of Ranjit Sagar Dam, including the heavy machinery used in the construction of the dam, hoping to earn crores of rupees for the state exchequer in the process.
The process for the e-auction of 331 heavy duty machines has already started and the irrigation department expects to fetch a sum of Rs 75-100 crore through the exercise, Irrigation Minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon said today.
While inspecting the works of irrigation department, he said, he noticed that different heavy machineries and equipment bought by the department in 1982, 1996 and 2001 have virtually turned into scrap due to non-use.
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These include heavy earth moving machinery and other heavy machinery that was bought by the state during the construction of the dam.
He said he formed a high-level committee headed by superintending engineer which has identified 331 pieces and five plants for e-auction through a transparent method, after adopting due processes.
"The department has started the process of disposal of these machines and is likely to complete the process of disposal of 331 heavy duty machines in next three months," Dhillon said, according to an official release here.
Kahan Singh Pannu, Secretary (Irrigation) informed that the machines are being disposed through the transparent process of e-auction and the proceeds of the auction would be deposited in the government treasury.
The construction of Ranjit Sagar Dam started in 1985 and it was completed and commissioned in 2001. Heavy earthmoving, hydraulic and mechanical equipments were purchased for the construction of dam from 1982 to 1996.
However, the heavy duty machinery which is lying grounded could not be disposed of during the last 13 years. As a result, these machines were not only getting rusted but were also making the picturesque vicinity of the dam look shabby, Pannu said.
