RTI on Bangalore municipal departments BBMP, BWSSB

Some people have requested information on filing RTIs which relate to BBMP, BWSSB etc.

General information on learning RTI is already here.

I have some experience with BBMP so I know that it works, but be prepared to file first appeal, because they do not respond to first RTI usually.  That is some kind of aristocratic style being followed before they stoop to level of 'common' citizens.  Or maybe a kick and a wake up call is the right analogy.

PIO of BBMP are here (Kannada only): http://www.bbmp.gov.in/images/rti/piolist.pdf

You need to send RTI to PIO of your zone.  I have already tried with Mahadevpura zone for my area and it worked.  The RTI replies may be in Kannada so be ready to get it translated when it arrives.

Sometimes some friendly BBMP officer may contact you on phone.  Some junior officers may even come to your home to give oral reply or maybe just out of curiousity to see what kind of animal files RTI on BBMP!  Such calls can be entertained to the extent where they genuinely want to understand your RTI information asked.  Do not settle down for a message delivered on phone as substitute for RTI reply.  Only a written reply has value.  If they do not have information, then ask them to give that in writing.  If they do not reply within 30 days, file first appeal.  Business as usual approach works.

To find PIO of BWSSB, you can try calling the officers of your area in list here:
http://www.bwssb.org/contact_1.html

RTI is best learnt by doing it.  It's your right as a citizen, so do it now.

BBMP also has a online complaint registration website called Spandana.  It is quite good and complaint registration is confirmed by SMS immediately.  You can file complaint here first and if not solved, file RTI on BBMP giving complaint number and ask for current status of complaint and by when it will be resolved.  If not resolved within reasonable time, send a copy of complaint, RTI application, and RTI reply (or not) to newspapers to ensure a much louder wake up call is delivered.