MUMBAI, Oct. 10 -- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched "Hello A Ward," an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot designed to simplify civic grievance redressal for residents of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, and Fort. Launched by Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and initiated by BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar, the platform eliminates the need for separate apps or lengthy forms. Residents can report ward-level civic issues-such as garbage collection, water supply problems, road repairs, and faulty streetlights-by sending a message and uploading a photo via WhatsApp. Private residential building disputes are also excluded. The AI assistant gathers location details, identifies the responsible BMC official, and generates a unique tracking number with a complaint summary upon user confirmation. For example, reporting uncollected garbage along Colaba's 1st Pasta Lane immediately routes the issue to the relevant department. Users can track complaint status directly through WhatsApp across all stages, receiving before-and-after photographs upon completion to verify resolution. Narwekar noted that the chatbot follows months of trials aimed at resolving routine civic issues within set timeframes while enhancing official accountability. Although automated, Narwekar emphasised that he remains accessible for direct intervention when necessary, with plans to refine the service based on citizen feedback. By providing a direct reporting channel, the initiative aims to reduce municipal office visits and repeated follow-ups....