Roshy Augustine welcomes vigilance probe on Kolapra tourism project

The Idukki Vigilance Unit has launched a primary investigation into former water resources minister and Kerala Congress (M) leader Rosha Augustine over alleged bribery related to the Kolapra tourism project in Idukki.

Congress worker Baby Joseph had recently filed a complaint with the Vigilance department alleging that Mr. Augustine had awarded the contract for the ₹112 crore Kolapra tourism project to a private company. According to the proponent, the project is being built in the Malankara dam area on the basis of a 30-year lease agreement with a private company. The complaint further states that the agreement allocates a 96.5% share of revenue to the private company, leaving only a 3.5% share to the government. The petitioner claimed that Mr. Augustin’s intervention led to a massive loss of public funds.

Meanwhile, Mr Augustine welcomed the inquiry and defended the framework of the tourism project. “The government will not lose a single concession in this project, which is being implemented under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model,” Augustine said. “The selected private company will bear all the construction costs and the land is given for a 30-year lease period. In District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) tourism projects, usually DTPC gets 30% profit share, which is a very small amount. In this project, the government will receive 3.5% of the total government revenue. If the company generates R0 and Rs 35 per 1 lac.” Mr Augustin said.

“The contract was signed after following all legal procedures. Construction work will be completed within two years and the project will be handed over to the government after the 30-year lease period expires. I will fully cooperate with any investigation and will not allow my public trust to be destroyed.” said Mr. Augustine.

Published – 24 May 2026 20:34 IST