15 October,2016 07:32 AM IST | | Laxman Singh
Highly equipped cell to offer an improved system for registration of civic complaints - 51 phone lines for its helpline
The BMC's disaster management cell is likely to be revamped next month. The plan for a new, high-tech cell has been in the works for over two years.
The cell will offer an improved system for registration of complaints: 51 phone lines, up from 10, for its helpline 1916. Citizens have often complained of being put on hold, owing to fewer lines, in emergencies.
Also, the cell will be shifted from the tiny basement in BMC's headquarters at CST to a 12,000-sqft space on the second floor of the building.
A senior civic official said, "We will have more staff and new equipment, which will help provide better facilities to citizens. This will also increase the efficiency in monitoring the city, and help resolve complaints quickly." BMC officials said the plan for the upgraded cell is in its last stages. The cell will also monitor the staff's work through wall-mounted cameras and the hotlines will be connected with all agencies concerned in the city.
Mahesh Narvekar, chief disaster management officer, BMC, was not available for comment.
