Tech-savvy TMC plans another initiative, residents sceptical

As an extension to the Stargrade app that was launched to tackle the pothole issue, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is now planning to use the same app for registering complaints on water, garbage and other civic issues.

Thane's tech-savvy corporation has been using technology to its full potential to address civic issues. However, residents as well as activists opine that officials should only use technology as a support and deploy their machinery to verify the issue in person.

Activist Chandrahas Tawde said, "Water leakage has been a major problem. I have complained as well as informed the officials, but nothing has been done. So, how will this gap be bridged, if an app comes in place? Ward officials should be vigilant and resolve these issues themselves. The TMC should use its manpower and a ward-level advisory board should be made for people's participation."

The Stargrade app is compatible with Android phones only; residents have complained of technical glitches with the mobile app. "There are cases of duplication of complaints and all areas in the city have not been covered," said Mohan Karnik, an active local.

Another, Nitesh Shah, said, "We are not against technology but will definitely prefer better planning. Civic problems are many and it's difficult to distinguish them, so officials need to brief us in detail about how the app could be used to resolve the issues."

A TMC official from the IT department said the application is ready with the new list that has to be added. They are also in the process of making the app for iOS users and remove all technical glitches.