Karnataka's Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre.
Credit: DH File Photo
Despite the daily criticism faced by the BBMP, its digital grievance redressal application appears to have gained recognition, with the Forest, Ecology, and Environment Department now working on developing a similar app modelled on Sahaaya 2.0.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) Namma Bengaluru (Sahaaya 2.0) is designed as an integrated grievance redressal mechanism that not only provides a platform to register complaints, but also enables tracking of each complaint, ensuring transparency and accountability in the resolution process.
On Thursday, Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre held a meeting with department officials to explore public grievance redressal options concerning forest encroachments, wildlife incursions into human habitats, and environmental pollution.
Officials briefed the minister on the existing phone-based grievance mechanisms, including the helpline number 1926, which handles complaints related to poaching, smuggling, forest fires, illegal tree felling, and other violations. The helpline also maintains the confidentiality of informants.
However, officials were caught off guard when Khandre requested data on grievances received and resolved over the past few years.
While the forest department’s vigilance wing is responsible for maintaining records of complaints and actions taken, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board lacks a similar mechanism within the environment department.
The minister directed officers to develop an integrated platform similar to Sahaaya 2.0. "The app and website should allow the registration of all complaints related to forests and the environment, along with video and photographic evidence,” Khandre stated in a letter to the department’s additional chief secretary following the meeting.
However, a senior official cautioned that filling vacancies in field personnel, from beat guards to range forest officers, is essential for the success of the initiative.
“Without sufficient manpower to support the platform, its effectiveness will be compromised. There is an urgent need to fill these vacancies,” the official added.