With the penetration of Internet and increased use of smart phones, participation of people in local governance has become easier. We don’t write lengthy complaint letters about civic problems any more. To file a complaint with any civic agency, we just have to know its landline/mobile numbers. I have been making online complaints to various government departments since 2015 and have seen many of them redressed.
While filing a complaint, it is better to note the root cause of the complaint so that the issue can be explained well to the area engineer/ executive engineer over the phone. For filing complaints relating to poor garbage disposal, calling the conservancy inspector or Ramky Enviro supervisor is better than making an online complaint.
While calling the Corporation helpline 1913 or Metrowater area engineer, clearly explaining the problem will help in resolving the problem quickly. After the complaint is resolved, do remember to call and thank them.
Each street/resident association can form a WhatsApp group with officers of various service agencies and this will help resolve issues swiftly.
Recently, I filed a complaint about tree waste having been dumped on Kesavaperumal West Street in Chitrakulam. Workers had dumped the tree waste near the entrance of the tank unmindful of the approaching float festival. Ramky Enviro and the Corporation Conservancy inspector were called to remove the garbage. Ramky removed the garbage but private agency said the debris and green waste can be removed only with bigger vehicles by the Corporation. So, we had to call the Conservancy Inspector again who promised to take action. Next afternoon, the garbage was fully removed.
On my way to Pondy Bazaar, I found the road to be bumpy due to potholes; water was leaking in the middle of the road. Immediately, I made a complaint with Metrowater. The Area engineer of 136 was called to provide details of the location. But the leak took 10 to 15 days to be fixed as police permission was required.
After that, the Corporation was asked online, to re-lay the road. It took almost a month to restore the road.
(C.R. Balaji is a resident of Mandaveli)
