BIWTA boss behind alleged river grabbing

THE report in this newspaper appearing yesterday that the Chairman of the Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has among other acts of indiscretion leased out parts of several rivers does not surprise us at all. Such malpractices in public organisations have become the norm rather than exception. He has denied the allegations, and even if we were to give him the benefit of doubt, should he as the boss not been aware that illegal lease of river land has been made by someone in his organisation?

Corruption and financial irregularities in public organisations, in most cases, are not possible without the acquiescence if not active participation of the higher management. In this particular case, foreshores and banks of two important rivers around the capital, on which it survives, have been leased out to private parties violating the orders of the High Court.   

The list of the BIWTA chairman's alleged irregularities is long. And what surprises us is that the matter has come to light only after an insider chose to reveal the malpractice of the boss. It only betrays the abject lack of oversight of the ministry and the other agencies of the government whose job it is to see that such things did not happen, and bring immediately to book anyone who indulges in dishonest practice.  

Among Nature's endowments the most endangered in our country are the rivers which are being plundered indiscriminately in all manner of ways. And when those that are entrusted to protect rivers are involved in their destruction then nothing but the severest punishment will do.