The toll-free number (1800-425-1600) launched by the Pallavapuram Municipality to enable local residents to make complaints about lack of civic amenities within its jurisdiction, has evoked an enthusiastic response.
Complaints relating to Underground Drainage System (UGD), clearance of garbage, water supply, unchecked movement of stray animals and mosquito menace have been registered.
The initiative, launched towards the end of 2013, is aimed at helping civic authorities connect better with the public.
Whenever a person calls the toll-free number, the call is registered and an SMS is sent to his/her mobile number, quoting the complaint-registration number.
Complaints pertaining to garbage clearance, water supply, streetlights and UGD are attended to immediately within a day or two. When it comes to complaints relating to capital works such as laying of roads, construction of parks and so on, the process will naturally take a much longer time, because carrying out any of these works is subject to a raft of official approvals.“The move is becoming successful with around 500-600 complaints being registered every week and so far we have attended to more than 2,000 complaints,” official sources in the Pallavapuram Municipality said.
“Once a complaint is received, it should be forwarded to the officials concerned and they must communicate the status of the complaint to the higher authorities after redressing it. Besides providing quick services, the system makes the officials concerned accountable in case of non-redressal of complaints.” S. Sudha, a resident of Pallavaram, said. “The system is good and people will benefit a lot from this. They need not have to run from pillar to post to get things done. Unfortunately, it is yet to reach the people fully. The Municipality must create awareness in this regard,” said T. Babu, a resident.
