Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Nov 21: Lokayukta Vishwanath Shetty inaugurated the grievance meet by lighting the lamp and listened to the pleas of locals at Atal Bihari Vajipayee auditorium, Rajathadri in Manipal here on Monday, November 20.
An aged complainant Akkayya Bai approached Lokayukta and requested him to provide the original title deed of her land. It was sanctioned in 1979 but misplaced by the negligence of officials by the concerned departmen, she said.
Tahsildar Pradeep Kurudekar said, “It takes two months to furnish the original file.” Lokayukta ordered him not to take more than two months in solving her grievances.
Zeenath from Marne village said that she had not got RTC for land under 94C though she had all the required documents. She further alleged, “The land, revenue department will get the work done through influence and bribe. In my case, the Tahsildar is simply delaying to grant the title deed because I don’t have money. We are residing in the place for the past 20 years.”
Replying to him, Justice P Vishwanath said, “Certain cases come under Karnataka Land Revenue Act- 94 C. In three weeks, the issue should be settled and they should submit a report to Lokayukta in the fourth week. If I see any harassment to the complainant then I will send Tahsildar back home.”
Deputy Tahsildar said, “Around 10,000 petitions have been received under 94C & 94 CC cases. Out of them, 400 cases were cleared so far.”
A retired teacher from Kavrady Kundapura taluk complained against sub-registrar regarding land issues but the Lokayukta did not allow him to continue. Disappointedly, the teacher said, “I spent more than Rs 40,000 to clear the land issue. I expected justice here.”
Angered by his words, Vishwanath said, “If you say so you can be punished for your words. If a complainant has bribed the sub-registrar for his work, action can be taken both on him and sub-registrar.”
“There have been many complaints against the sub-registrars across the state; general complain being the harassment of public. If people think that ACB will not raid, then it is a wrong concept. If Lokayukta orders ACB investigation, it will happen,” he added.
Villagers from Pithrody, Udyavar complained about three fish mills being the cause of pollution in the locality. Due to this, not only the villagers of Pithrody but also surrounding people of Papanashini river are facing serious problem. River water is being contaminated by poisonous chemicals. The villagers also said that the fish mills were built by violating CRZ regulations. “A forged NOC was given by Udyavar gram Panchayat for the construction of fish mills. A case is pending at the high court now which had issued stay order in 2012. Pollution Control board did not bother about it,” said villagers.
As the case is at the court, Lokayukta advised to file a fresh complaint regarding fish mills.
Ramachandra Devadiga, a retired government employee, put forward a case regarding entitlement of certain amount a bank. He, along with others, is fighting a case for the last 18 years.
A resident of Comfort Tower, who comes under CMC Udupi, complained that building owner had constructed two shops at the basement illegally.
Replying to him, Lokayukta ordered CMC executive engineer to conduct re-survey on the case. He said, “If it is a violation of actual sanctioned plan, CMC should take immediate action without any delay.”
During the grievance meet, senior citizens put most of the cases pertaining to land issues.
Deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis, district superintendent of police Sanjiv Patil, additional enquiry officer Mohan, Roopa, police inspector, CEO Shivanand Kapashi were present.
ADC Anuradha G welcomed the gatherings.