When the DM raided, it was revealed that grains harmful for health were found in the government warehouse
Grain samples failed in initial testing, instructions issued to destroy tons of grain
Dehradun, March 26, 2025
District Magistrate Savin Bansal conducted a surprise inspection of the base food warehouse located in Gularghati, where several quintals of grain samples failed the initial testing. This warehouse supplies grains not only to Dehradun but also to other districts of Garhwal. The DM ordered the destruction of the substandard grain. If this grain had been distributed through the Mid-Day Meal program to school children, pregnant women, and rural communities, it could have posed serious health risks.
Upon reaching the warehouse, the DM had the grain samples tested on the spot, and they failed the preliminary inspection. As a result, the DM immediately ordered the rejection and destruction of the substandard grain. He stated, “Compromising the health of school children, women, and rural residents will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against negligence.”
The DM emphasized that this action aims to ensure quality grain distribution for Anganwadi centers, school children, and residents of remote areas.
Irregularities Found
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No proper maintenance of warehouse registers.
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No racks for storing grain, no rat traps to prevent rodent infestation, and no standardized stitching with prescribed twine.
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The weight of the sacks was checked and found to be 50.15 kg instead of the standard 50.58 kg.
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The sacks lacked labeling for the date of filling and weight.
Action Taken by the DM
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Adverse entries were recorded against Senior Marketing Officer Vishnu Trivedi and Regional Food Officer (ARO) Ajay Rawat.
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Orders were issued for their salary suspension and departmental action.
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The DM instructed that older stock should be distributed first and warned of stricter action if quality standards were not met.
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A clarification was demanded from officials for failing to report these irregularities.
The inspection was attended by Additional District Magistrate Jaibharat Singh, Tehsildar Surendra Dev, Food Safety Officer, and other officials, who remained on-site for five hours.
