Chennai Corporation Responds to Overloaded Hotlines with New SOS System
As complaints about the overloaded hotlines of the Greater Chennai Corporation poured in from various neighborhoods, the municipal body has taken steps to address the issue amid the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung. Frustrations were voiced by residents in Velachery, Kodungaiyur, and Saidapet who reported difficulty reaching the Corporation for urgent requests, with calls being canceled or placed on hold for extended periods.
In response, the Corporation has implemented a dedicated system for SOS-level complaints, specifically catering to issues concerning pregnant women, children, and the elderly. Fifty lines have been connected to the 1913 toll-free helpline to streamline communication for critical matters.
Despite network connection challenges exacerbating the situation, officials reported that 7,129 complaints were registered via the 1913 helpline by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. The Corporation is actively monitoring complaints through social media channels and the Namma Chennai app to ensure a more efficient response to the urgent needs of affected residents.
