Bengaluru: Setting a new trend and opening a direct communication channel with Bengalureans, Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. G. Parameshwar, who is also Bengaluru Development Minister, took to Twitter on Tuesday to invite people to bring issues related to the city to his notice. The response was quick, with the Minister's tweet receiving over 300 likes, 40 replies and 55 retweets.
One tweet by one Mr Raja complained about a faulty traffic signal at the Dairy Circle. "The Diary Circle signal is not working since 2 months, last month I met with an accident because of deregulated traffic, so far no response from BTP( Bangalore Traffic Police) and the issue remains same" he tweeted, to which the Minister promptly tweeted back, "I'm sorry to hear this. I have asked @addlcptraffic (Traffic Commissioner of Police) to look into this immediately." Commissioner of traffic, R Hitendra joined in to say in a tweet, "Sir, Noted. Our nodal officer for signals @DCPTr WestBCP (Deputy Commi ssioner of Police - Traffic West, Bengaluru City) will look into this issue immediately and give feedback to @Rajamass."
When one Mr Abhijith Dev tweeted, "Sir, no control over frequent power outages by@Namma BESCOM. Power cuts should be planned and informed to consumers well in advance. If scarcity of electricity, then it should be scheduled in such a way it should not put consumer's life into misery. Plz take this into consideration," he too got an immediate response. The authorities concerned replied, "Dear Consumer, Kindly provide the contact number and address to assist you further. With Regards, BESCOM Helpline (1912)."
But a suggestion from one Mr Vinoo Thimmiah received no response. He
Tweeted,"Sir, your response is itself half the success. Please commence implementing the 'zoning regulations' & direct officials to take immediate action against the illegal rooftop pubs in residential neighborhood Indiranagar. @icindngr (I Change Indiranagar) @BBMPCOMM (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagare Palike) @KarFireDept (Karnataka Fire Department) @DGP_FIRE(DGP of Police) @BBMP_MAYOR"
The hiccups, however, did not detract from the Minister's effort to connect to Bengalureans in a meaningful way and find a then and there solution to their problems, however insignificant they may be. Tweeted Dr Parameshwar at the end of the exchange, "I would like to thank all of you for notifying me on issues related to Bengaluru city. Be assured that your concerns are being looked into by the relevant officials. Public participation is crucial. Please keep sharing your ideas & suggestions."
Well meaning he may be, but is he prepared for the inevitable deluge?
