Chennai residents take up civic activism on FB

Chennai: Social networking sites have become a medium of activism for city residents who now prefer posting civic grievances on Facebook rather than calling people’s representatives. It could be sorting out local issues or recognising the talents or contributing for a cause, the community groups bring out people of all sects under a common platform.

With more than 10,000 members, Nanganallur group is over five years old. But the group received utmost popularity during the December deluge for being an active communicative agent for the dismayed NRI families. “I could not get in touch with my family as the mobile services were disrupted. Surprisingly, I got an instant reply after posting in the group as volunteers have not just enquired about my family, but also sent their pictures,” recollected member S. Raghu.

Massive participation of social activists is witnessed as they point out civic apathy. Not to forget the discussions and debates on ongoing issues.
Talking to DC, G. Ram Viswanath said his music school received a lot of enquiries after posting it in the group. “But groups these days have more advertisements. Though I don’t disapprove, I welcome an equal amount of information as it is a best chance to know about our locality,” he said.

A member of Adambakkam group, N.V. Sampath said he has been voicing civic issues since a long time. “People do contribute for good cause. But redressal of civic grievances get delayed. It could be rushed up only if politicians and civic body officials are members of the groups,” he said.