Chennai Corporation goes hi-tech to monitor code violations

In an effort to enable speedy redress of complaints received at the election control room through 1800425-7012. Greater Chennai Corporation has linked the toll free number with its existing software that it uses to operate the four-digit helpline 1913. 

District Election Officer and Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner B Chandra Mohan told DT Next that since the software for the helpline 1913 has been integrated with the election control room, a SMS will be sent to the concerned Returning Officers. 

Normally, when a complaint is raised with the toll free number 1800-425-7012 only an email will be sent to the Returning Officer but now a SMS will also be sent to the officer so that swift action can be taken. 

“Since the officials may not always have access to email, we have found this creative solution as the officials can always check the SMS round the clock,” he said. 

Once the official receives the SMS, the flying squad assigned to the concerned Assembly constituency will immediately reach the spot to take action. Ever since the election control room has been set up on March 4, 54 complaints, mainly regarding removal of posters and hoardings were received. 

“This will be extremely useful in resolving complaints as the election scenario is expected to gain momentum in the coming days,” he pointed out. 

To add teeth to this mechanism, GPS devices have been fitted to all the vehicles used by the flying squads, static surveillance teams and video surveillance teams so that the movement of the teams can be tracked from the election control room in Ripon Building. 

There are separate teams for all the 16 Assembly constituencies in the Chennai district and the integration of the software with the election control room will also help in monitoring the response time of the squads from the time a complaint has been raised. 

“Monitoring by this GPS system is facilitated by four Google Maps and this will act as a super check,” Chandra Mohan added.