Srinagar, Nov 15: Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation Ltd (JKCCC) is in dock for purchasing a diesel generator allegedly at exorbitant rate from an overseas multi-national firm.
 In response to a RTI filed by Syed Muzamil Shah of Tangmarg, the Managing Director JKCCC states that in 2004-05, a 725 KVA DG set was purchased at a cost of Rs 1, 11,10, 945 from Pomaglaski SA in France.
 Official sources told Greater Kashmir that an inquiry was initiated by State Vigilance Organization (SVO) after complaints poured in from several quarters against the highly prized deal. They said the SVO investigations revealed that DG set with same specifications and make was available at around 35-40 lakhs in the Country. 
 The French company, officials revealed does not deal with Diesel products and had purchased it from third party.
 “We had received a complaint against this deal and acted swiftly as an investigating agency. Investigations revealed that the French based MNC POMA only deals with cable car equipments and it had an understanding with the JKCCC. But it (French firm) had nothing to do with the diesel product,” disclosed a senior official in SVO wishing anonymity.
 During the inquiry, he said it was found that the JKCCC had five to six German made generators at its disposal in Gulmarg. However, those sets were never put to use for the ropeway project due to one or the other reason, he said.
 “The five-six gensets hadn’t been sent for repair to put them in use. Instead a new proposal was floated for purchasing the 750 KVA diesel set in order to avoid any situation arising due to electricity breakdown,” sources told Greater Kashmir. 
 The SVO, sources said contacted ‘Caterpillar’ the original manufacturer of the product in India for finding its actual rates.
 “Through correspondence, the Caterpillar company in Hosur Tamil Naidu informed that the Genset would cost around 35-40 lakhs in the Country,” informed the official.
 The SVO, he said had tried to get in touch with overseas firm to learn about the deal but could not get any reply. “The French company didn’t respond despite our efforts. We had to approach Interpol through a central agency which was an arduous process,” the official added.
 Sources said the inquiry report was referred to the General Administration Department with recommendation for further investigation by Commissioner Vigilance Organization and action under rules against the accused officials.
 Pertinently, the Gulmarg Gondola is the highest ropeway project in Asia and main attraction for tourists including foreigners. The foundation of the project was laid in 1987 in collaboration with French firm Pomaglaski SA.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 IST