petitioner. The basis of issuance of notice is that 80% plants have been found dried up. The petitioner has submitted his response to the show cause notice dated 18.01.2018 wherein he has stated that the works in question was completed in accordance with the scheme and upon completion, the entire report had been submitted along with photographs showing the planting of trees, saplings undertaken. The works were entered in the measurement book by the Panchayat Technical Assistant, which was certified/verified by the petitioner. The petitioner has stated in his response that if at all, the saplings or plantation has dried up, the responsibility would lie with the forest authorities and those responsible for maintenance of the plantation. The District Magistrate, however, has held four persons including the petitioner who were responsible for execution of the work of plantation, to be liable for the alleged loss of Rs 4,98,000/-arising out of the loss of plants in question. The petitioner had been saddled with the liability to the tune of 10% of the loss amount.
