Blog, tweet to clean up Chennai

Content posted on social media will drive sanitation policy

Residents’ input on social networking sites, content communities, blogs, microblogs and virtual social worlds are all set to shape sanitation and solid waste management policy and implementation in the city.

Chennai Corporation, with support from NGOs, has decided to start an integrated social media campaign on improving sanitation and municipal solid waste management. “Content development is under way. We also are working out a strategy,” said an official.

The drive will initially cover source segregation initiatives as part of municipal solid waste management.

Residents will be able to create and share innovative ideas as part of the social media drive to improve sanitation and solid waste management on bus routes, streets, parks, playgrounds, beaches, parking lots, bus stops, garbage transfer stations and public buildings.

Chennai Corporation officials, including those at the ward level, will be trained to respond in real time to information on civic problems shared through social media.

If a resident tweets about an uprooted tree or a damaged footpath or mosquito menace or stray dogs, the officials concerned will spot the activity on social media.

A team of officials will also coordinate with different departments to speed up the process of rectifying the problems in real time.

Assistant engineers of each of the 200 wards in the 426 sq km of the city will keep track of civic grievances in their locality. Innovative ideas by residents will also be considered by the Corporation Council for implementation.

Messages for persuasive communication on best practices in sanitation will also be a key aspect of the campaign.

H 15 Aug 14