Taj: Maya suspends ex-Environment secy

UP Chief Minister Mayawati today suspended senior IAS officer and former Secretary (Environment) R.K. Sharma, for sanctioning Rs 37 crore fo...

UP Chief Minister Mayawati today suspended senior IAS officer and former Secretary (Environment) R.K. Sharma, for sanctioning Rs 37 crore for Taj Corridor scheme in Agra against prescribed norms. Mayawati said she had ordered an inquiry at the level of Principal Secretary (Finance) N.C. Bajpayee. She added that she will be able to reveal details on the controversy only after the inquiry.

A spokesman said the CM has also set up a team for physical verification of construction works carried out. The team, which reached Agra today, has been asked to submit its report before the onset of monsoon. The spokesman added the CM had also apprised PM and Dy PM about steps taken by her government in this regard.

In response to recent remarks by Union Tourism Minister Jagmohan against the state government over the project, Mayawati shot off a letter to him stating the Taj Corridor project was the brainchild of the Union Environment Ministry and officials concerned had full knowledge of it. Chief Secretary N.S. Bagga and Principal Secretary (Finance) have been summoned by Jagmohan to New Delhi tomorrow. They are expected to explain how construction began in the Taj’s vicinity. Meanwhile, ASI’s Agra wing has written to UP government for lodging an FIR against persons responsible for the construction. Sources said the government is not ready to reply to ASI’s request as it is not sure against whom and for what reason the FIR has to be filed.