Dindori (Madhya Pradesh): Rice worth over ₹27 crore was reported to be rotten due to major negligence in tribal-dominated Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh.
According to information, around 68,573 quintals (6,800 metric tons) of rice stored in 1 government and 4 private warehouses was infested with insects. It is said that now it is not even fit to be fed to animals.
The main reason behind the damage was suspected to be poor maintenance and rainwater leakage into the storage facilities.
This rice was meant to be distributed to eligible poor families through ration shops. However, due to the carelessness of warehouse operators, the stock became completely spoiled.
Now, the government is planning to blacklist two private warehouses and auction off the damaged rice. The remaining compensation amount will be recovered from the warehouse owners.
The rice, meant for distribution in the 2023–24 financial year, was stored in May 2023. Complaints about insect infestation started surfacing in December 2024, after which a district officer had stopped its allocation to ration shops. Despite this, the rice remained lying in the warehouses for months.
An inspection team from Jabalpur also confirmed that the rice was not fit for consumption. Initially, there were efforts to upgrade and distribute it, but now the rice has deteriorated beyond use.
Officials claim that in a conspiracy to extract more rent, some warehouse managers deliberately delayed the movement of rice. As a result, the rice continued to rot in storage. Now, the rice emits such a strong foul smell that it’s noticeable even while passing by the warehouses.
Details of the spoilt rice is as follows:
Nigmani Government Warehouse: 5,300.27 quintals
Khanuja Warehouse, Jamunia: 18,545.88 quintals
Maa Narmada Warehouse, Sagartola: 1,285.11 quintals
Mekalsuta Warehouse, Madiyaras: 27,818.89 quintals
Agarwal Warehouse, Aurai Bypass: 15,623.49 quintals
Total spoiled rice: 68,573 quintals
