MAPUSA
The petitioner who filed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) over the problems faced by commuters during the ongoing construction of the elevated corridor in Porvorim has raised serious concerns over the effectiveness of the grievance redressal mechanism implemented by authorities.
Adv Moses Pinto criticised the system as inadequate and unlikely to bring any significant relief to the public.
“It was predictable that the mechanism suggested would not be foolproof. This approach is bound to fall on deaf ears,” he remarked.
The mechanism, which includes a designated WhatsApp group for officers has already drawn criticism for its lack of transparency and interactivity.
Pinto highlighted that while the number might help authorities identify problems, it falls short of fostering meaningful engagement with the public.
“The WhatsApp group of officers created for this purpose is a closed group, inaccessible to the public. Where is the transparency in this mechanism,” questioned Pinto. He further argued that effective democracy requires open discourse to address and resolve issues collaboratively.
Pinto also cast doubt on the practicality of the mechanism, suggesting it does not address the broader challenges faced by commuters along the Porvorim stretch. “The mechanism was proposed to resolve the road-related issues, but it doesn’t seem to be making much of a difference,” he added.
The petitioner emphasised the need for a more interactive and transparent process to ensure that public grievances are not only heard but acted upon effectively.
