Taking the chain of development of the country forward, Smart City Projects are being implemented in many states of India, out of which Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat etc. are many such cities which come under Smart Cities. To provide better facilities to the citizens in these cities, information technology was further strengthened with the help of WhatsApp Business API through the Public Relations Department. As a result, these departments are connecting with the citizens with more transparency, efficiency and effectiveness.
This blog explains how with the help of the services of WhatsApp Business API, the Urban Development Department is working on which qualities to improve its operations:
1. Updates and information on infrastructure projects
I. Project status updates: Government departments share the status of urban development projects like road construction, bridge construction and park development with citizens via WhatsApp.
Example: Let’s say a new park in your area is 65% complete and is expected to open next month.
II. Announce new projects: Announce upcoming new projects and their start dates via WhatsApp to keep the public informed.
Example: Construction of a new community center in your area is starting next week.
III. Site inspection reports: Share inspection reports and results from project sites with department heads via WhatsApp API services.
Example: The new sewage system in the garden development was inspected and it meets all safety standards.
IV. Photos and videos: Images and videos are sent to citizens and department heads to show the progress of projects.
Usage : Watch the latest drone footage of ongoing metro rail construction in GHI area.
2. Public Services Information
I. Public Services List: Provide information about availability and list of city services through WhatsApp.
Example: Public Relations Department provides list of public services available in the nearest area of citizens like water supply, waste collection, public library, etc.
II. Facility Location: Share location of hospitals, parks, schools and other public facilities with citizens from time to time through WhatsApp.
Example: Find your nearest public library: 123 Main Street, open from 9 AM to 6 PM.
III. Service Timings: Provide service availability timings to your citizens like water supply and electricity schedules.
Example: Water supply in your nearest area will be from 6 AM to 9 AM daily and electricity will be cut off from 12 PM to 2 PM tomorrow.
3. Citizen Participation
I. Feedback and Suggestions: Collect feedback and suggestions from citizens on urban planning and development from time to time through WhatsApp.
Example: Share your suggestions to improve the community park being built in your area.
II. Problem Solving: Use WhatsApp API services to communicate with citizens about unconstitutional issues and complaints in their area and find solutions to them.
Example: Report any street light outrage in your area, and discuss and resolve complaints.
III. Surveys and Polls: Conduct surveys and polls to gather public opinion and complaints on urban plans through WhatsApp.
Example: Participate in our survey to decide the theme of the upcoming public park in your area.
4. Providing All Government Website Information on WhatsApp
I. Complete information of Government Website on WhatsApp: Provide information related to Government schemes to the citizens on WhatsApp like tender notices, project reports, plan details, application forms and other important information.
Example: Access the latest urban development tender documents happening in the area near the citizen directly on WhatsApp."
II. Chatbot Services: Use chatbots to answer the queries of citizens through AI powered chatbots, providing them with instant information.
Example: Chat with our bot to get information about public service availability and timings to your citizens.
III. Notifications and Reminders: Send timely notifications and reminders about important updates like maintenance schedules and public meetings related to the colony area.
Example: Reminder: Public meeting on new road construction in GHI area will be held tomorrow at 5 PM.
5. Special Benefits
I. Real-time information: Provide real-time updates on events happening in public places through WhatsApp API, thereby increasing satisfaction.
Example: Get real-time updates on traffic conditions and road closures due to ongoing construction.
II. Easy access: The simplicity and wide usage of WhatsApp makes it easily accessible to a large number of people.
Example: Get all the information and services related to Nagarpalika or Nagar Nigam directly on your phone through WhatsApp.
III. Transparency and trust: Information related to government activities builds transparency and trust among citizens.
Example: Transparency updates on budget allocation and expenditure for urban development projects.
IV. High literacy rate: Getting information through WhatsApp is especially beneficial for those who find it difficult to understand the Internet and other technical services.
Example: Elderly people can easily get important updates without navigating through complicated websites.
In this fast growing world, WhatsApp Business API is a wonderful and unique communication solution and by taking advantage of this, the Urban Development Department can significantly improve its services. Its proper use not only improves the quality of service but also builds participation and trust among citizens.
In this fast changing technology, the government should use this better communication technology and provide all the important information available on the government website to the citizens on WhatsApp through WhatsApp Business API. This communication system will play an important role in helping citizens avail government services. WhatsApp Business API gives a new dimension to the programs of government departments to reach the citizens.
