Chennai · Checked 3 Nov 2026
Where to complain in Chennai
The official WhatsApp numbers, helplines, websites and offices for each civic department, and who to go to when nothing happens. Use any of them directly. You don't need Kural.
Find your problem
| Problem | Who handles it | Quickest way |
|---|---|---|
| Pothole, damaged road or footpath | Chennai Corporation | WhatsApp 94450 61913 |
| Garbage not cleared | Chennai Corporation | WhatsApp 94450 61913 |
| Street light not working | Chennai Corporation | Call 1913 |
| Waterlogging or a blocked storm drain | Chennai Corporation | Call 1913 |
| Fallen tree, park or playground | Chennai Corporation | WhatsApp 94450 61913 |
| Mosquitoes or a public health problem | Chennai Corporation | Call 1913 |
| Stray dogs or other animals | Chennai Corporation | Call 1913 |
| No water, low pressure or dirty water | Metro Water | Open cms-cmwssb.tn.gov.in |
| Sewage overflow or a blocked sewer | Metro Water | Open cms-cmwssb.tn.gov.in |
| Power cut, transformer or sparking line | TNPDCL | WhatsApp 94987 94987 |
| Signal not working or illegal parking | Traffic Police | WhatsApp 90031 30103 |
| Bus skipped the stop, or bus service | MTC | WhatsApp 94450 33364 |
| Nothing happened after weeks | Chief Minister's Helpline (Mudhalvarin Mugavari) | Open cmhelpline.tnega.org |
Before you complain
- 1Take a clear photo, and note the street name and a landmark.
- 2Raise one problem per complaint.
- 3Write down the complaint or reference number you get. You need it to follow up, reopen, appeal or file an RTI.
- 4If it is closed but not fixed, reopen it, or complain again and quote the old number.
- 5Never share an OTP with someone who calls you about a complaint.
Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC)
Handles: Roads and potholes, storm water drains, garbage, street lights, parks and trees, mosquitoes and public health, stray animals.
Ways to complain
- GCC WhatsApp chatbotNews report94450 61913
Message from your own WhatsApp. Tamil and English both work. The bot may show a menu first: pick complaints, then send the details and a photo.
You get: You can check the status in the same chat.
WhatsApp 94450 61913Source: DT Next: GCC launches WhatsApp chatbot, Aug 2025 · LiveChennai: Chennai Corporation helplines and zonal control rooms, 24 Oct 2026
- 1913 helpline (24 hours)News report1913
Call and describe the problem with a landmark. The most used channel: 21,575 of 34,148 complaints in the 2024 monsoon came this way. Lines can be busy during floods.
You get: A reference number by SMS.
Call 1913Source: The Hindu (syndicated): GCC to decentralise helpline staff, Nov 2024 · Greater Chennai Corporation website
- GCC online grievance portalOfficial sitegccservices.in/pgr
Fill in the form with your mobile number, the area and street, and the details.
You get: A complaint number by SMS. Track it by that number or your mobile.
Open gccservices.in/pgrSource: GCC online grievance portal · Greater Chennai Corporation website
- Second GCC WhatsApp numberOfficial site94455 51913
Listed on the GCC homepage. Same service as the chatbot.
WhatsApp 94455 51913 - Namma Chennai appNews reportNamma Chennai GCC (Android, iOS)
Add a photo and your GPS location. You can reopen a complaint that was closed without a fix.
Source: DT Next: glitches in reopening Namma Chennai app complaints, 15 Jul 2022
- Post on XNews report@chennaicorp
Tag @chennaicorp with a photo and the exact location. Staff reply and route it. 651 of 763 social media complaints from Sept 2021 to Mar 2022 came through X.
Open @chennaicorpSource: DT Next: complaint redressal on social media a hit, Mar 2022 · DT Next: unhelpful helplines
- Letter to the CommissionerOfficial siteThe Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation, Ripon Building, EVR Salai, Chennai 600003
Post or hand in a written petition. Ask for an inward number.
If nothing happens
Officers above the front line, from the first to the most senior:
- Assistant Engineer for your ward
- Executive Engineer for your zone
- Zonal Officer
- Regional Deputy Commissioner (North, Central or South)
- Commissioner, Ripon Building
In the Namma Chennai app, reopening a complaint moves it up: the second reopen goes to the Zonal Officer and the third to the Regional Deputy Commissioner (as reported in 2022). Chennai has 15 zones and 200 wards.
Source: DT Next: glitches in reopening Namma Chennai app complaints, 15 Jul 2022 · Citizen Matters: how the GCC functions
Good to know
- GCC publishes no deadlines for potholes, garbage, street lights or drains. During the 2026 monsoon, street light repairs were ordered within 24 hours.
- For garbage, a GCC complaint is the record that counts: contractors are paid on performance and GCC complaint data feeds their penalties.
Chennai Corporation numbers by zone
Each zone's Executive Engineer has a mobile number listed on the GCC complaints page. The control rooms were announced for the 2026 monsoon.
| Zone | Executive Engineer | Monsoon control room |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Tiruvottiyur | Call 94451 90021 | Call 94451 90201 |
| 2. Manali | Call 94451 90022 | Call 94451 90202 |
| 3. Madhavaram | Call 94451 90023 | Call 94451 90203 |
| 4. Tondiarpet | Call 94451 90024 | Call 94451 90204 |
| 5. Royapuram | Call 94451 90025 | Call 94451 90205 |
| 6. Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar | Call 94451 90026 | Call 94451 90206 |
| 7. Ambattur | Call 94451 90027 | Call 94451 90207 |
| 8. Anna Nagar | Call 94451 90028 | Call 94451 90208 |
| 9. Teynampet | Call 94451 90029 | Not listed |
| 10. Kodambakkam | Call 94451 90030 | Not listed |
| 11. Valasaravakkam | Call 94451 90031 | Call 94451 90211 |
| 12. Alandur | Call 94451 90032 | Call 94451 90212 |
| 13. Adyar | Call 94451 90033 | Call 94451 90213 |
| 14. Perungudi | Call 94451 90034 | Call 94451 90214 |
| 15. Sholinganallur | Call 94451 90035 | Call 94451 90215 |
Sources: GCC complaints page · LiveChennai: Chennai Corporation helplines and zonal control rooms, 24 Oct 2026
Chennai Metro Water (CMWSSB)
Handles: Water supply, low pressure, contaminated water, leaks, sewage overflow and blocked sewers.
Ways to complain
- Metro Water WhatsAppOfficial site81449 30308
Message from your own WhatsApp with the address and a photo.
WhatsApp 81449 30308Source: Chennai Metro Water website
- Complaint cell (24 hours)Official site044-4567 4567 or 1916
Call 044-4567 4567 or the toll-free 1916. The cell has about 20 lines, so keep trying in the monsoon.
You get: A reference number.
Call 044-4567 4567Call 1916 - Online complaint systemOfficial sitecms-cmwssb.tn.gov.in
The complaint reaches the Depot Engineer by SMS within 3 minutes, and moves to a senior officer automatically if the charter deadline is missed.
You get: A reference number by SMS.
Open cms-cmwssb.tn.gov.inSource: Chennai Metro Water grievance redressal · Chennai Metro Water online complaints
- EmailOfficial sitecmwssb@tn.gov.in
Each area office also has its own email, listed on the Metro Water site. Emails to senior officers are forwarded to the field.
Email cmwssb@tn.gov.in - Post on XNews report@CHN_Metro_Water
A Metro Water grievance official said tagging the handle escalates a complaint to senior officers.
Open @CHN_Metro_WaterSource: DT Next: unhelpful helplines
- Monthly grievance meetingNews report2nd Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm, at all 15 area offices
The Superintending Engineer hears complaints in person. Take your reference number and photos.
Source: Chennai Metro Water grievance redressal · DT Next: Metro Water grievance meetings across Chennai, Sept 2025
If nothing happens
Officers above the front line, from the first to the most senior:
- Depot Engineer (3 days)
- Deputy Area Engineer (2 days)
- Area Engineer (2 days)
- Superintending Engineer (2 days)
- Chief Engineer
Each officer has the days shown before it moves up.
Published deadlines
The department set these limits itself in its citizen charter.
| No supply: free street tanker | 4 hours |
| No or defective supply fixed | 5 days |
| House sewer block | 2 days |
| Sewer main block | 4 days |
| Leak in a service line | 3 days |
| Leak in a distribution main | 5 days |
| Contaminated water | 7 days, or 15 if the source is hard to find |
| Damaged sewer line repaired | 20 days |
Electricity: TNPDCL (formerly TANGEDCO, "TNEB")
Handles: Power cuts, transformer failures, fallen or sparking lines, meter faults.
Ways to complain
- Minnagam WhatsApp chatbotNews report94987 94987
Send "HI". It asks for your service connection (consumer) number, the locality and the problem. Keep your electricity bill handy.
You get: Forwarded to the local official, with an SMS when it is done.
WhatsApp 94987 94987Source: DT Next: TNEB launches 24x7 WhatsApp chatbot · News Today: Minnagam calls disrupted, use WhatsApp, 9 Oct 2026
- Minnagam call centre (24 hours)News report94987 94987
Statewide. A complaint is closed only after you confirm by phone. In October 2026 calls were disrupted and consumers were told to use WhatsApp instead.
You get: A complaint number.
Call 94987 94987Source: DT Next: Electricity minister reviews Minnagam, 20 May 2026 · News Today: Minnagam calls disrupted, use WhatsApp, 9 Oct 2026
- Online consumer complaintsUnconfirmedccms.tangedco.org
Needs your consumer number.
You get: A complaint number.
Open ccms.tangedco.org - Post on XOfficial site@TANGEDCO_Offcl
The handle linked from the TNPDCL website.
Open @TANGEDCO_OffclSource: TNPDCL website
- Meet the engineersOfficial siteWorking days, 2 pm to 3 pm
The citizen charter lets you meet the Executive, Superintending or Chief Engineer in person. The Superintending Engineer also holds a monthly grievance day.
Source: TNPDCL citizen charter
- Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF)Official sitetnebltd.gov.in/cgrfonline
A legal forum under the Electricity Act 2003 for problems that keep coming back. After the forum, you can go to the Tamil Nadu Electricity Ombudsman.
Open tnebltd.gov.in/cgrfonlineSource: TNPDCL CGRF online · TNPDCL citizen charter
If nothing happens
Officers above the front line, from the first to the most senior:
- Assistant Engineer at your section office
- Assistant Executive Engineer
- Executive Engineer
- Superintending Engineer (circle)
- Chief Engineer, Chennai region
Source: TNPDCL citizen charter
Published deadlines
The department set these limits itself in its citizen charter.
| High tension supply failure | 1 hour |
| Low tension line or pillar box fault | 2 hours |
| Fault in one service connection | 3 hours |
| Distribution transformer failure | 24 hours |
| Defective meter replaced | 30 days |
Source: TNPDCL citizen charter
Greater Chennai Traffic Police
Handles: Signals that do not work, illegal parking, traffic violations. Potholes and road surfaces are GCC, not the police.
Ways to complain
- Traffic Police WhatsAppNews report90031 30103
WhatsApp or SMS a photo with the place, date and time.
WhatsApp 90031 30103Source: DT Next: social media is the fourth eye of Chennai Traffic Police, Feb 2023
- Post on XNews report@ChennaiTraffic
Tag @ChennaiTraffic with a photo, the place, date and time. In early 2023, 90.5% of the violations reported this way were acted on.
Open @ChennaiTrafficSource: DT Next: social media is the fourth eye of Chennai Traffic Police, Feb 2023
Good to know
- Police stations across Tamil Nadu hold a public grievance day every Wednesday and Saturday, 11 am to 1 pm.
Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC buses)
Handles: Bus service: skipped stops, rude staff, frequency, lost items. Bus shelters are usually GCC.
Ways to complain
- MTC WhatsApp chatbot (24 hours)News report94450 33364
Send "hi". It takes grievances, lost items and bus information.
WhatsApp 94450 33364Source: DT Next: MTC launches WhatsApp chatbot, 7 Feb 2025
- Toll-free 149News report149
Give the route number, the bus or depot number, the time and the stop.
Call 149
Still not fixed?
Go above the department. Quote your earlier complaint number every time.
Chief Minister's Helpline (Mudhalvarin Mugavari)
- CM Helpline portal (Mudhalvarin Mugavari)Official sitecmhelpline.tnega.org
Log in with your mobile OTP. Attach photos (up to 20 MB each). Mention your earlier complaint number. One appeal is allowed per grievance.
You get: A grievance ID by SMS, and a dashboard.
Open cmhelpline.tnega.orgSource: CM Helpline: about us · CM Helpline: FAQs
- CM Helpline 1100Official site1100
Every day, 7 am to 10 pm, including holidays.
You get: A grievance ID by SMS.
Call 1100Source: CM Helpline: FAQs
- CM Helpline emailOfficial sitecmhelpline@tn.gov.in
The helpline site also lists cmcell@tn.gov.in. Emailed petitions count: a June 2025 order asks offices to acknowledge petitions, including emails, within 3 days and resolve them within a month.
Email cmhelpline@tn.gov.inEmail cmcell@tn.gov.inSource: CM Helpline: about us · CM Helpline: FAQs · DT Next: TN government orders monthly report on grievance petitions, 14 Jun 2025
Other ways to be heard
- Area Sabha and ward committee
Every Chennai ward has a ward committee chaired by the councillor and about 10 Area Sabhas. Area Sabhas must meet four times a year. Raise your street's problems there so they are minuted. Meetings are often postponed, so ask your councillor for the date.
Source: TN Urban Local Bodies (Ward Committee and Area Sabha) Rules, 2022 · Urban Update: Area Sabha meetings four times a year, May 2023 · Citizen Matters: Area Sabhas and ward committees in Chennai
- Right to Information (RTI)
Ask what action was taken on your complaint number. The fee is Rs 10 and the office must reply within 30 days. For GCC, send a paper RTI to the Public Information Officer, RTI Cell, Ripon Building, Chennai 600003. Only an individual citizen can file.
Source: TN RTI online portal guidelines
- Police public grievance day
Every Wednesday and Saturday, 11 am to 1 pm, at police stations and offices across Tamil Nadu. Senior officers take petitions in person.
Source: Deccan Chronicle: TN Police public grievance day twice a week, Jun 2026
Other numbers
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance)112Call 112
- Corruption or a bribe demand: DVAC044-22321090, WhatsApp 94981 80936, dvac@nic.inCall 044-22321090WhatsApp 94981 80936Email dvac@nic.in
- Sewer cleaning without safety gear14420Call 14420
All sources
Everything on this page, with where it came from. Dates are when the source was published, where it says.
- DT Next: GCC launches WhatsApp chatbot, Aug 2025
- LiveChennai: Chennai Corporation helplines and zonal control rooms, 24 Oct 2026
- The Hindu (syndicated): GCC to decentralise helpline staff, Nov 2024
- Greater Chennai Corporation website
- GCC online grievance portal
- DT Next: glitches in reopening Namma Chennai app complaints, 15 Jul 2022
- DT Next: complaint redressal on social media a hit, Mar 2022
- DT Next: unhelpful helplines
- Tamil Nadu DTP contact page
- Citizen Matters: how the GCC functions
- Chennai Metro Water website
- Chennai Metro Water grievance redressal
- Chennai Metro Water online complaints
- DT Next: Metro Water grievance meetings across Chennai, Sept 2025
- Chennai Metro Water citizen charter
- DT Next: TNEB launches 24x7 WhatsApp chatbot
- News Today: Minnagam calls disrupted, use WhatsApp, 9 Oct 2026
- DT Next: Electricity minister reviews Minnagam, 20 May 2026
- TNPDCL consumer complaints portal
- TNPDCL website
- TNPDCL citizen charter
- TNPDCL CGRF online
- DT Next: social media is the fourth eye of Chennai Traffic Police, Feb 2023
- DT Next: MTC launches WhatsApp chatbot, 7 Feb 2025
- DT Next: MTC asks passengers to use toll-free 149
- GCC complaints page
- CM Helpline: about us
- CM Helpline: FAQs
- DT Next: TN government orders monthly report on grievance petitions, 14 Jun 2025
- TN Urban Local Bodies (Ward Committee and Area Sabha) Rules, 2022
- Urban Update: Area Sabha meetings four times a year, May 2023
- Citizen Matters: Area Sabhas and ward committees in Chennai
- TN RTI online portal guidelines
- Deccan Chronicle: TN Police public grievance day twice a week, Jun 2026
Want your neighbours behind your complaint?
On Kural, residents near a problem can back it with a me too, and the public record stays open until it is fixed. Each complaint also shows the right channels from this page, ready to use.