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Time of India

HDMC launches ward-level WhatsApp groups to foster local connections

Hubballi: Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has taken a new step to become more citizen-friendly. It has officially created a WhatsApp community, making communication between citizens and the corporation easier through this new system. Separate WhatsApp groups have been created for all 82 wards. Residents of each ward can join the respective group. Ward members will act as admins of their group and can share their daily activities with the ward's residents through this platform. Announcements, development projects, public services, and other information can be directly obtained from the corporation through this group. It provides an easy way to receive official information directly from the corporation without any confusion. Vijaykumar R, additional commissioner, HDMC, told TOI that these groups will be for one-sided communication to impart information to citizens. "Currently, we are imparting information through print and our social media accounts. However, it is difficult to convey minute information pertaining to a ward or area. Issues like road closure, drainage repair, etc., are not reaching people. Now we can impart such information through these ward-wise groups. We expect over 20,000 citizens in each ward group," he added. When asked why only one-sided groups are set for the option of only admins sending messages, he said there is a possibility of citizens sending irrelevant messages. "Citizens can file their grievances with our control room WhatsApp number 82778 03778 as usual," he asserted. Requesting anonymity, a corporator said that some corporators are not well-versed with the usage of WhatsApp groups. "We should be trained on this," he demanded. Welcoming the move, former Mayor and sitting Corporator Iresha Anchatageri said that many HDMC officials are inactive in imparting information. "We have a WhatsApp group of all corporators and concerned HDMC officials. They don't use this group to share the required information in our group. Then how can we expect them to be active in citizens' groups? Forming WhatsApp groups is an easy task, but maintaining the decorum is very difficult. HDMC officials should ensure that these ward-wise groups won't remain defunct," he commented. Box Benefits of WA groups Citizens can become more aware of their ward-level issues. The corporation can quickly and effectively disseminate information to the public. Quick notices, water supply updates, road work, and cleanliness campaign information will also be available.