India, Oct. 10 -- Residents of Colaba, Cuffe Parade and Fort can now register and track civic complaints through WhatsApp, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launching an AI-powered chatbot to make grievance redressal simpler, faster and more transparent.

Municipal commissioner Ashwini Bhide launched "Hello A Ward" on Friday. The platform, initiated by BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar, who represents Ward 226, allows residents to report civic issues without downloading a separate mobile application or filling out lengthy forms.

The chatbot addresses ward-level complaints concerning garbage disposal, water supply, road repairs and malfunctioning streetlights, among other civic issues under the BMC's jurisdiction. Private r...