DSPM Plant Officers Caught Drinking in Korba Govt Guest House

Five officials from Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Thermal Power Station, including Chief Chemist Govardhan Sidar, were found consuming alcohol in a government rest house in Korba, with bottles of liquor and beer recovered from the spot.

In a shocking incident, five senior officials of the DSPM Thermal Power Plant were caught drinking at a government guest house in Korba district of Chhattisgarh on Saturday evening. The matter came to light when local BJP workers, present at the same venue for a meeting with senior party leaders, noticed suspicious activity and raised an alarm.

According to reports, the officials were partying in one of the VIP rooms of the guest house. Empty and half-filled bottles of liquor along with beer cans and glasses were recovered from the room and the kitchen freezer. A video and photographs showing the scene have also surfaced, adding to the embarrassment for the power utility.

Incident During VIP Visit

The episode unfolded when former Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik was in Korba and a meeting was organised at the VIP guest house. Union Minister for Commerce and Industry in the state government, Lakhanlal Devangan, Korba Mayor Sanju Devi Rajput, and district BJP president Gopal Modi had reached the venue to meet him.

Local party workers informed the minister that loud noises and the strong smell of cigarette smoke were coming from one of the rooms. Upon checking, they found the DSPM officials, led by Chief Chemist Govardhan Sidar, consuming alcohol. Sidar himself serves as the in-charge of the guest house.

Minister Directs Strict Action

Sources indicated that the workers immediately brought the matter to the notice of Minister Lakhanlal Devangan. The minister promptly called the Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited (CSPGCL), S.K. Katiyar, and instructed him to take strict action against the erring officials.

The MD has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident and assured that disciplinary action would be taken against those found guilty. The case falls under the jurisdiction of the CSEB police station.

Recovery of Bottles and Cans

Eyewitnesses said the room was filled with cigarette smoke. Beer bottles and cans were found inside the refrigerator, while liquor bottles and used glasses lay on the table. Officials confirmed that several bottles were also recovered from the kitchen freezer.

This is not the first time such activities have been reported at the rest house, according to local accounts. However, the presence of senior power plant officials during an official visit by political leaders has drawn sharp criticism.

Background of the Power Plant

The Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Thermal Power Station is a key power generation facility in Korba, often referred to as the power hub of Chhattisgarh. The plant plays a crucial role in meeting the state's electricity demand. Any lapse in discipline among its officers raises questions about overall administrative standards at public sector undertakings.

Impact on Public Perception

The incident has triggered widespread discussion on social media and among locals. Many have questioned how government property is being misused for personal indulgence, especially when the same premises host important political and official meetings.

Such episodes often erode public trust in government institutions and fuel demands for greater accountability. In a state where power generation remains a critical sector, maintaining professional conduct among officials is seen as essential.

What Lies Ahead

The ongoing inquiry is expected to establish the sequence of events and fix responsibility. Authorities have indicated that the probe will be completed swiftly. Depending on the findings, the officials could face departmental proceedings, including suspension or major penalty.

Minister Devangan’s intervention has been welcomed by party workers, who expect firm steps to prevent recurrence. The CSPGCL management is also under pressure to send a strong message that misconduct, especially on government premises, will not be tolerated.

The development comes close on the heels of another reported alcohol party incident at an SBI office in Bijapur district, highlighting a broader concern over discipline in public offices across Chhattisgarh.

As the state focuses on industrial growth and reliable power supply, maintaining the highest standards of integrity in its power utilities has become more important than ever.