Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Sep 23: The fact that 15 complaints were received at the sitting of the Water Adalat held here on Monday September 22 is proving that more and more people have learnt the benefits of approaching the water adalats for redressal of their grievances. The first adalat held on September 15 under the leadership of mayor Ganesh Hosabettu had succeeded in getting five complaints.  During the third sitting at the Corporation office, the water adalat received 35 complaints on September 18, the highest so far.

The fact that these water adalats have been equipped with powers to take on-the-spot decisions, have made them more attractive. Unlike in the case of official processing of complaints, the complainants get their grievances redressed instantly. Water adalats address complaints of all issues, like faulty water metres, excess water bills, wrong accounting etc.

Water adalats are being held at Bikarnakatta sub-office of the Corporation every Monday and on every Wednesday at Suratkal sub-office. The timings of the adalats would be 9.45 am to 1 pm. Complaints from the people living within the jurisdiction of the respective offices be submitted at the offices concerned between 9 am and 9.30 am. "The city corporation is discussing with other banks which have sizeable number of branches in the city, to see that the people do not face any inconveniences in paying their bills," Corporation commissioner Sameer Shukla said. At present, the Corporation has tie-up with Corporation Bank alone, for water bill payments. The Corporation, it is learnt, is examining the prospects of enabling payment of taxes through credit cards or internet-banking, it is learnt.