Mangaluru : The first phone-in programme at Mangalore city corporation by Mayor Kavitha Sanil received 32 call in one hour from 10 am to 11 am on 23 May 2017.

The programme will be held every month with Mayor Kavitha Sanil and MCC Commissioner Mohammad Nazeer from 10 am to 11 am. Public can call 0824-2220301 or 0824-220318 to narrate their grievances.

Most of the calls received by the Mayor were regarding the drainage problems, encroachment and road issues. While the majority of them were related to the City Corporation, some others, coming under the purview of the Police Department and also Forest Department, were promised to be taken up with the authorities concerned.

Stormwater drains in different parts of the city that have been already posing a threat due to stench of putrefaction, were the crux of repeated complaints. K R Upadhyaya from Kadri Kambala brought it to the notice of the first citizen that the recent rains have damaged the exterior of the drain near a colony.

Anil Kumar Shanbagh, a retired BSNL officer from Chandrika Extension from the same Kadri Kambala locality, complained that some of the people residing near the drain are facing difficulties due as the work on the retaining wall is incomplete. Although the matter has been brought to the notice of the local corporator, he has been ignoring the same as a trivial, said Shanbagh.

Veena Pinto, who resides behind the Hindu burial ground at Surathkal, wanted the local body to asphalt the road near her house, as the regular movement of water tankers has damaged the stretch. Although the corporator was approached in this regard to take up patch works, it was in vain, she said.

J B Fernandes, an advocate residing at Kapikad, complained that the well in the compound of his house has been contaminated with sewage water due to the ongoing works on Bejai-Anegundi stretch. Another caller, who preferred anonymity, complained that a house is being constructed at Vamanjur en route Pilikula, near the land identified by RTO to develop a riding/driving track, encroaching upon the stormwater drain.

Arvind Hegde from the court ward complained about irregular water supply to three houses, including his, for the past one-and-half years, due to the disconnection of a joint in the pipeline.

Another caller complained about destitutes and beggars near the Government College at Kottara openly defecating at the same spot much to the embarrassment of passersby. The mayor, who took note of it, promised to raise the same during a traffic advisory committee meeting with the police scheduled on May 26.

K T Bhat, an advocate, raised objection to the axing of two full-grown mango trees, following which, the mayor assured to bring it to the notice of the Forest Department.

Following the phone-in programme that lasted 70 minutes, Mayor Sanil directed the officials to ensure that the complaints are redressed at the earliest. While the minor works can be taken up, major works should be launched with proper planning, she added.

The mayor also promised to conduct the programme once every month, but remained non-commital on the particular date.

Deputy Mayor Rajaneesh, Sashidhar Hegde, MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazir, Abdul Rauf, Sabitha, and others were also present.