BJP legislator Sarayu Roy. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Jamshedpur, Feb. 21: To protest against the non-implementation of the Mango water project, BJP legislator from Jamshedpur (west) Assembly constituency Sarayu Roy threatened an indefinite hunger strike in front of the Assembly from February 28.

Talking to journalists in Jamshedpur today, Roy attacked the Madhu Koda government for its “failure” to implement the project, which reportedly would benefit over 2-lakh Mango residents.

The BJP legislator has also sought the intervention of Governor Syed Sibtey Razi in the ongoing controversy related to the project. “I have requested the governor to give necessary directives to the state cabinet so that the tender for the water project is passed at the earliest.

“The governor will address Assembly members on February 27. I have also requested the governor to give guidelines to the cabinet for the project,” he said.

Roy rued that the project has been a non-starter for the past three years. “It’s high time that the government responds to the problems faced by the Mango residents. The project would benefit the residents, who face a tough time in summer,” he added.

Former MLA and finance minister Mrigendra Pratap Singh started the project.

Roy is hopeful that the governor would take up the issue with the government, as the project is for the welfare of the common people.

Earlier, the state water and sanitation department had rejected the first set of tenders.

Jamshedpur Utilities and Services Company was the lowest bidder. But their tender was rejected as the provisions related to operational maintenance of the project was not mentioned in it.

Second set of tenders has been submitted, however, so far no positive steps have been taken.

On January 13, chief minister Madhu Koda laid the foundation stone of the Mango water project amid protests by supporters of Roy as the ceremony was undertaken without any proper departmental procedures.