Chennai, Dec 21 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events that has sparked worries regarding accountability in civic projects, Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran has formally reached out to the Chennai City Police to initiate an investigation into a purported fraud linked to private contractors responsible for maintaining parks across three city zones, as confirmed by officials on Sunday.

The contractors are alleged to have created fake bank documents to claim payments from the civic body while neglecting to pay park workers.

Senior officials indicate that GCC received bank transaction records from contractors indicating that salaries had been deposited to workers involved in maintaining parks in Manali, Perungudi, and Sholinganallur zones.

However, numerous workers whose names were listed in these records reported that they had not received any payments in their accounts for several months.

Preliminary checks by the Corporation suggest that the bank entries may have been altered to misleadingly represent valid salary payments.

This matter came to light after Councillors from various wards repeatedly raised concerns about park workers, primarily from economically disadvantaged communities, who had not received salaries for up to three months.

They also highlighted the declining condition of park maintenance, especially in terms of cleanliness and upkeep, due to the lack of regular wages impacting worker morale and presence.

Earlier this year, GCC issued tenders and awarded contracts for the operation and maintenance of 781 parks across the Corporation's 15 zones.

In a bid to ensure transparency, the Corporation mandated that contractors provide bank evidence showing timely salary payments to workers before clearing any bills.

Nevertheless, a recent report from the project management consultant to the Parks Department revealed that at least one contractor had allegedly submitted forged bank documents for August, September, and October to falsely indicate wage payments.

According to tender regulations, park workers are entitled to Rs 19,994 monthly, supervisors receive Rs 22,460, and electricians/pump operators earn Rs 29,943.

Citizen groups have also voiced their concerns regarding this issue.

T.K. Shanmugham, President of the Federation of North Chennai Residents Welfare Association, stated that residents across various areas have complained about poorly maintained parks and ineffective conservancy operations.

"We demand rigorous monitoring and improved security measures during early morning hours," he remarked.

GCC officials mentioned they are evaluating the extent of the suspected fraud and the number of affected workers.

The Corporation has pledged to take strict action against offenders, including blacklisting contractors and recovering payments, once the police inquiry concludes.