The Hindu

Mangalore, Mar 19: The first ‘Janaspandana’ meeting in Dakshina Kannada district was conducted by Suratkal MLA Krishna Palemar at Derebail village here on Sunday.

People of the village and Landlinks Township sought explanation from the MLA, Mangalore Mayor Vijaya Arun and Health Committee Chairman Mahabala Marla to their grievances.

Complaints about drinking water featured prominently in the meeting. People complained about murky water, inadequate water supply and irregular timings of distribution. They demanded that the civic body should take full control of the water distribution system of their areas.

Arun said that private developers managed certain parts of the village and the township. She said that since the residents of the township had complained about the water problem, she would direct the corporation authorities to take steps to extend the water distribution scheme to the township.

Directing people to set up residents' associations, Marla said that such associations could work to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in their areas. The corporation would step in for help in times of difficulties, he added. He said that potability of the water being supplied should be tested at the local Fisheries College.

Issues relating to layout design, maintenance of roads in layouts, clearance of garbage and internal management of public utilities and amenities were raised at the meeting. MLA and the Mayor said the civic body should try to review these aspects from time to time.

Palemar said that the residents should make efforts to improve their layouts. The civic body and local elected representatives should help them in things that needed Government help and intervention, he added.