While the Irrigation department claims the repair work cost as much as Rs 96 lakh, the DC Sumer Singh Gurjar’s approximations for the same are as low as Rs 15 lakh.

Irrigation officials revealed they have re-checked their bills and have got them verified from various persons, but objections are still being raised by the DC.

Talking to Newsline, Gurjar said: “I don’t think the work done was worth Rs 96 lakh. I was present at most of the repair points. At Mattewara, maximum work was done and here we had employed a private contractor who was paid Rs 2 lakh after the work.”

The DC added: “I am surprised as to how Rs 96 lakh was spent in the entire district. My assessment says the repair works were not worth more than Rs 15 lakh. I have paid the amount and no further payments need to be made.”

Officials with the Irrigation department, meanwhile, maintain that repair works were carried out at Mattewara, Huzra, Madhepur, Kherabet, Manewal and several other areas.

AS many as 10 contractors had worked at these points and sources now reveal that they may move the court against the pending payments.