10 July,2026 08:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BMC said that using the dedicated WhatsApp chatbot for manhole-related complaints would help authorities register complaints more efficiently. Representational image.
In view of strengthening civic grievance redressal and improving public safety during the monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a dedicated WhatsApp chatbot for citizens to report open, broken, or missing manhole covers across Mumbai.
The civic body announced on Friday that residents can now register complaints related to hazardous manhole covers by sending a message to the dedicated WhatsApp number 9324500600.
The initiative launched by the BMC is aimed at ensuring quicker complaint registration and faster response by civic authorities.
According to the BMC, citizens need to initiate a chat on the WhatsApp number, select the 'Submit Complaint' option, share the location of the incident, and upload a photograph of the damaged or missing manhole cover. Once the complaint is submitted, users will receive a unique complaint registration number for future tracking and follow-up.
BMC has further said that residents can continue to lodge complaints through the MyBMC Marg mobile application.
To register a complaint, users must log in using their mobile number and OTP, select 'New Registration,' choose the relevant complaint category, add a brief description if required, and upload either an existing photograph or a geo-tagged image of the location. A complaint registration number is generated after submission.
Apart from the dedicated chatbot to register complaints regarding manholes, the BMC has also retained several other platforms for citizens to report civic issues, including:
Through the general WhatsApp chatbot, residents can now report potholes by sending the message "Khadda" (or "Kha" in Marathi) and report manhole-related issues by sending "Manhole" (or "Ma" in Marathi), along with the location and a photograph.
Complaints can also be lodged on the BMC's online portal. Citizens calling the 1916 helpline will be guided through the complaint registration process and, if required, will receive a link to upload a geo-tagged photograph.
In view of avoiding serious accidents related to manholes, the BMC has further appealed to Mumbai residents to promptly report any open, damaged, or missing manhole covers and other hazardous civic issues, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season when such hazards pose a significant risk to pedestrians and motorists.
BMC said that using the dedicated WhatsApp chatbot for manhole-related complaints would help authorities register complaints more efficiently, monitor them effectively, and ensure quicker action on the ground.
