Deputy Commissioner of Chamarajanagar Shreeroopa heard public grievances during a live phone-in programme organised by the district administration on Tuesday and initiated steps for their redressal.

During the hour-long programme held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, members of the public from different parts of the district called in and presented their grievances.

Citizens from across the district used the opportunity to convey their concerns while a total of 31 complaints were registered.

Also in attendance at the phone-in programme were Superintendent of Chamarajanagar district police M. Muthuraj, Additional Deputy Commissioner T. Javaregowda, Assistant Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Meena, and Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Shruti.

The issues raised at the programme included allegations of illegal sand mining in the Cauvery river basin in the Kollegal region; failure to construct roads in Ward No. 15 of Chamarajanagar town; poor-quality gates installed at a crematorium in Karinanjanapura; stagnation of drainage water near the Maramma Temple at Kestur in Yelandur taluk during the monsoon; and the deplorable condition of the Gundlupet Road in Chamarajanagar town, which has reportedly been leading to accidents.

Residents also complained about the delay in disposing of an application seeking land for a crematorium at Sappayanapura in Hanur taluk; inadequate bus services and stoppages at Arakalavadi, Yanagumba and Begur in Gundlupet taluk; sewage water flowing onto Sathyamangala Road in Chamarajanagar town; the absence of an underground drainage system in Ward No. 19 of Chamarajanagar town; and the need for a permanent doctor to be appointed to the Bandalli hospital in the Hanur region.

Complaints were also raised regarding failure of the authorities to address the alleged irregularities under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). 

The callers also alleged that illegal liquor sales were continuing unchecked in various parts of the district while some residents urged the authorities to take steps to revive the government silk filature at Mamballi. Several individuals also complained about delays in obtaining khatas. 

The Deputy Commissioner listened to each complaint and grievance raised by callers and directed the officials present to visit the concerned locations immediately and take remedial action. She also collected the phone numbers of the complainants and assured them that officials would respond to their concerns.

Superintendent of Police M. Muthuraj also heard complaints relating to his department and assured the public that the matters would be examined and appropriate action will be taken.

Addressing officials after the programme, the Deputy Commissioner said that all complaints received from the public should be treated seriously. She instructed officials to personally visit the locations where problems exist, conduct detailed inspections, and take all necessary measures to resolve them. Officials were also directed to contact the complainants, visit their homes if necessary, hear their grievances directly and ensure their resolution.