Need better ward level communication to solve civic issues, say local leaders

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Local political leaders and civic activists in Bengaluru emphasised on a different approach to resolve civic issues, especially in urban areas.

Bengaluru North District Congress Committee (DCC) president Abdul Wajid said that bodies meant for co-ordination at the ward level were essential in establishing communication between representatives and constituents.

These comments came at a book launch “My City My Responsibility,” headed by civic organisation and NGO Janagraaha.

“If any segment, ward or panchayat has to develop, there has to be participation by way of ward and sabha committees. However, there is a scarcity of these bodies. Moreover, in a city like Bengaluru, people don’t have time for this. They spend on their families and their children’s education. Once they come home in the evening, they realise what their problems are,” he said.

“In fact, it is women who flag issues pertaining to water, garbage and the like. So there is a need for us to partner with people. I’d say one thing to the people present here. Instead of going to people and asking for their votes, if you go to them every week, you’ll get to coordinate with them. Moreover, if we partner with them, we might be able to find solutions to these problems,” he added.

Apartments preparing for city’s 'drought' situation

Vidya Goggi, the former secretary, Bengaluru Apartments Federation has insisted that alternatives are in place for the summer, where lack of rains and water scarcity are at certainty.

“All the apartments under the federation have Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) facilities. She insisted that the federation is holding discussions with their members and authorities for a plan that will take them through this difficult period.

“If reports of droughts are true, then we turn our heads to the government for support,” she ended.