Reporting a civic problem and getting it resolved in Belagavi can be more challenging than the problem itself. Citizens encountering issues like garbage dumps, unclean roads, overflowing dustbins, bad roads, non-functional streetlights, and water leakages often feel helpless, as individual complaints seem to go unanswered.
The inefficiency of streetlights is glaringly evident, with at least 60% not functioning properly. Main roads too suffer from a lack of working streetlights, and residents are left wondering where to file their complaints.
Incomplete or poorly constructed roads add to the frustration. Many citizens do not know which authority is responsible for specific issues. The administration’s lack of prioritization for grievance resolution compounds the problem, leaving citizens to deal with a bureaucratic maze.
Belagavi boasts an integrated command and control center under the Smart City initiative, yet a single, efficient grievance-handling number remains elusive.
After contacting one office, they informed us that the issue does not fall under their jurisdiction. However, upon reaching out to another office, they clarified that the responsibility lies with them. Since the company in charge of laying pipes is involved, they now must address the matter. Please contact them directly for further assistance.
Even dedicated apps and websites, such as the Smart City app and https://ipgrs.karnataka.gov.in/, fail to deliver results. Complaints are either ignored or marked as resolved without any real action being taken.
Jurisdictional confusion further complicates matters, with border issues between the Corporation, BUDA, and the Cantonment board creating additional obstacles. Water leakage problems are delayed due to permissions required from different entities, showcasing the inefficiency of the current system.
The need for a centralized grievance handling system is critical. A single website/Number where all complaints can be lodged and tracked would significantly improve the situation. This vision is essential for the citizens, providing a more efficient and responsive system for addressing civic issues.
Belagavi lacks a robust platform for public grievances, both online and offline. In the digital age, visiting an office to file a complaint is impractical. The administration’s reluctance to modernize these processes hinders effective grievance resolution.
Belagavi’s status as a “Smart City” is meaningless if the systems in place are not efficient, and the people managing them are not responsive. A true Smart City requires smart systems and dedicated personnel to ensure citizens’ grievances are addressed promptly and effectively.
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