To improve the efficiency to address waterlogging complaints and mobilize civic authorities during the monsoon season, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has introduced a 24×7 helpline and a WhatsApp service to address problems reported by the citizens.
The residents will be able to file complaints now by contacting them by phone, or sending an SMS to the number 9821395354 via WhatsApp. Complaints received through Monsoon Management Cell (MMC) would be promptly passed on to the field teams, according to the Monsoon Cell (MMC) offices.
The helpline is aimed at enhancing the information exchange between the call centre and on-ground teams, officials have said. The exact location and description of the water-logged area has been given to citizens for helping authorities reach the site quickly.
The civic body has employed 84 suction tankers, 119 water pumpers and over 155 personnel at the eight administrative zones of the city to meet the challenge of flooding during monsoon. The teams have been stationed at vulnerable locations to remove accumulated rainwater as quickly as possible.
Earlier, Additional Commissioner Ankita Chaudhary said this new system would further reinforce the efforts of emergency response in the event of heavy rain or during disasters and help in timely assistance to the citizens.
The Monsoon Management Cell is also checking the flood prone areas of Gurugram with the assistance of 700 CCTV-controlled cameras, which helps officials to get real-time data regarding ground situation and coordinate relief efforts.
As part of its monsoon preparedness plan, the MCG has completed work on 28 priority ponds, including desilting, excavation, deepening, strengthening embankments, removing encroachments and creating channels to divert rainwater into the water bodies to reduce urban flooding.