Bhubaneswar: The Public Health Engineering Organisation (Pheo) is set to launch a smart phone application that will enable citizens to lodge complaints regarding water supply issues online.

This will be the first such mobile application of the Pheo for public use. At present, citizens file complaints related to the water supply system using the Pheo's landline number and Sanjog Helpline's toll free number.

Once the app is launched, a user will have to download it on their smart phone. Using the app one can upload pictures and list the complaint in detail. Initially, the application will be available only for android users.

"It is a good move to launch such a mobile application. More people are opting for technology driven tools. People need service, but they also want transparency in it," said Saheed Nagar resident Diptimayi Mishra.

The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has already developed the mobile application and a trial run will be carriedout before its launch, sources said. The NIC is also in the process to develop a web portal and an SMS-based complaint registration system for the same purpose.

"The NIC has demonstrated the mobile application to our officials. It is a user-friendly app that will help people lodge complaints related to pipeline leakages, water supply shortage and contamination. The app is likely to be introduced by the end of this month," said Pheo superintending engineer Chitta Ranjan Jena.

NIC sources said the application had been developed in the interest of both citizens and department officials.

"It will be used to file complaints. There will be a system where citizens can track the status of their complaint, while officials will use the app to update the status," said an NIC official.