CWA: Dismissal of an Engineer for "Serious Breaches of Professional Obligations"
CWA: Dismissal of an Engineer for "Serious Breaches of Professional Obligations"
The Central Water Authority (CWA) has dismissed Mr. Acharya Vinobha Boodhun, Executive Engineer, due to "serious breaches of his professional obligations in connection with the construction project of the Cluny reservoir from October 2021 to June 2023." This action is rare in CWA's history, where professional misconduct usually results in suspensions or disciplinary actions, but seldom leads to immediate dismissal. This was stated in a press release issued by the Ministry of Public Services on Thursday morning.
Major Technical Breaches
According to the disciplinary committee (DC), the engineer acted in violation of his duty of care and oversight, jeopardizing contract compliance and project safety. The main breaches identified include:
• Failure to adhere to the recommendations of the geotechnical report, particularly regarding foundations;
• Lack of verification of the backfilling of identified cavities at the site;
• Failure to require the contractor to submit the reinforcement schedule and to verify its compliance prior to significant concrete pours;
• Non-compliance with contractual clauses regarding the quality of concrete (grade 35 used instead of 35A);
• A non-conformity concerning the diameter of the water level indicator, set at 50 mm instead of the 110 mm stipulated in the contract.
Administrative Irregularities
According to the supervising ministry, the disciplinary committee also notes that Mr. Boodhun certified a payment of Rs 18,000 for photographs included in the Bill of Quantities, while this service was never performed by the contractor. Furthermore, the engineer did not require the submission of the "as-built" plans, which are essential for the traceability and future maintenance of the reservoir.
A Rare Dismissal in CWA's History
Given the severity and accumulation of the breaches, the disciplinary committee concluded that Mr. Boodhun acted in conflict with his duty of loyalty and trust towards the CWA. Contrary to usual practices, which favor intermediate sanctions, the decision for immediate dismissal was made.
For the ministry, this measure sends a strong message about the responsibility and rigor expected in the management of strategic drinking water infrastructure projects.
The supervising minister, Patrick Assirvaden, has already made it clear that he does not accept such negligence and that all CWA employees must scrupulously adhere to their contractual and technical obligations.
