PMC takes to social media to help Puneites in crisis

Pune: People used to hurling abuses at the

Pune Municipal Corporation

for its inefficiency showered praises on civic authorities on Tuesday for the way they tackled the flood-like situation using social media on Wednesday.

The civic body took to Twitter to update people on road conditions, traffic and related information during the rains on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The

PMC

's Twitter handle ‘@PMCPune' was helpfully active issuing word of caution to citizens. From a list of flood advisories to putting important numbers into circulation,to help people in every way.

The PMC CARE (

Citizens Assistance Reponse

and Engagement) page was set up in May this year to provide a framework that would cater to the needs of people as a part of the Smart Cities mission.

Additional commissioner

Rajendra Jagtap

said, "We only heaved a sigh of relief at 6 am on August 4 after the water release from

Khadakwasla

reservoir was reduced to 4,000 cusecs. The team worked all night. We will undertake these activities again if needed."

Head of department, information and technology,

Rahul Jagtap

said, "We were active over a period of 24 hours, working in teams formed under the guidance of commissioner

Kunal Kumar

. The internal officers were updating the information from ground level, which helped daily commuters immensely."

This information was used by the team working on Twitter to put people at ease and to provide 360 degree help framework. "As and when people tweeted about a particular location, we put them in touch with the ward officers concerned. We had call centres also where the people can call and ask for help," added Jagtap.

Puneites took cognizance of the efforts put in by the PMC. The tweets put a word out on traffic, accessibility, number of contact in case of a disaster, and other such important things. The Twitter page also channelized woes of people by asking them their exact location and contact details to help citizens in a better way.

Flood updates and alerts helped people find the nearest location they could reach to save themselves.

They issued a "flood alert notice" that contained vital information. The PMC's flood advisory helped people identify the spots of worry and how to keep away from trouble.

The updates on PMC workers on field to drain water from parking areas and building on

Sinhagad Road

on August 4 came as a big relief for the residents of the area. The page also carried weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department.

Some people also tweeted photos of cracks in the

Bhide

bridge that was promptly taken note of and followed by prompt a reply assuring the user that action will be taken.


· @siddheshb

Unprecedented heavy rains in the state, stop blaming authorities, do your bit to help where you can! @PMCPune is doing a great job #Pune

· @Tushar_Chavare

@PMCPune Great work.. keep doing well..we r proud of u..#pmcdisastermgmt @PMCPune

· @ashishahujap

Appreciate the forewarnings with the list. Great help. Keep up the great work @PMCPune

· @NeetaBhatia

Luv how @PMCPune hs tkn up social med in its stride #MeraDeshBadalRahaHain @KunalKumarPMC @SmartPune @PMOIndia #Pune

· @anaghapp

@PMCPune You have been an amazing support. Excellent use of social media! Keep up the good work! @KunalKumarPMC @punemayoroffice

· @iUmeshNawathe

The work @PMCPune is doing to keep people safe from this heavy rainfall is worth appreciable. Thank you so much