Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Aug 29: “The Dakshina Kannada District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has instructed Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to correct the faulty drainage system and water bodies located in Gujjarakere and Arekere area. They have also directed MCC to provide clean well water within 60 days,” informed Harish, a complainant and a resident of Gujarakere.
Addressing media here on Monday, August 28, he said, “The orders from the forum came after residents of Gujjarakere filed a complaint under Consumer Protection Act citing the laxity of MCC in redressing the grievances of the public. The maintenance of public utility services like drainage and supply of water is the sole responsibility of MCC. The well water is totally polluted and the said contamination is due to faulty drainage system. Water analysis test says that the water is unfit for drinking. The present drainage pipeline which connects to Mulihitlu wet well was installed in 1976 and it goes through our private land and connects to wet well. Due to this, water bodies around Gujjarakere are affected. Residents are suffering from health issues as well. As many as 28 wells are contaminated in the area.”
“We had complained regarding the same issue in 2006, but no action was taken on the pending development works. Hence, we filed a complaint under Consumer Protection Act. The forum in its order dated July 13, 2017, has directed the MCC to take action at the earliest. They also asked the MCC to provide clean well water within 60 days. In case they are not able to finish the work within the deadline, the opposite party will be liable to pay Rs 100 per day from the date after the deadline. They will also be liable to pay Rs 5000 each to the complainant and Rs 5,000 for litigation expenses. Payment has to be made within 30 days from the date of the order,” he informed.
“We have demanded that the entire drainage pipeline should be replaced. I urge the general public to make use of Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum to complain as we can get justice at a faster pace,” he added.
Residents of Gujjarakere C P Dinesh, Prabha Shankar, Bharath Prasad and Nithin were present.