In the last two decades, individual houses have given way to apartments and integrated townships in Chennai. Vertical growth has emerged a dominant alternative to complement the horizontal spread of the city, to accommodate the ever increasing population. Although compound walls and segregation of house blocks have ensured privacy, it has also made it necessary for everyone to work together to ensure the smooth functioning of the apartment complex.
Be it a renovation plan or any other announcement that impacts the residents, it is the responsibility of the apartment association to get every resident's opinion and keep everyone in the loop. Till a few years ago, bulletin boards or long, cumbersome meetings were a regular occurence in every residential society. But these days, people are switching to modern platforms, like WhatsApp messenger, to communicate the same. “What sapp is a useful communication tool, especially when you need to get things done quickly. You don't need to wait for everyone to get together and decide things. Information can be sent on the group and people can revert whenever it is convenient to them. We have two groups. One of them is where all the important conversations happen, like maintenance reminders, building meetings and other information. The youngsters have a separate group which was created to discuss and plan our terrace parties and get-togethers,“ says Ateeque Khan , A senior software developer at a property portal website.
Most people today are tech-savvy and have adapted to changing technology that makes everyday tasks easier. This is one major reason why many opt for the online medium over other conventional modes of communication. Other than the residents, office bearers too have separate groups for their discussions. V Govindasamy, vice-president, Regal Palm Garden Owners Association, says, “This channel of communication is easier and more effective than the earlier ones.There are separate groups for executive committee members, managing committee members and other such various groups. Office bearers utilise these specific groups to discuss important issues concerning the building. It has become simpler for us to exchange our viewpoints and arrive at a decision. The communication that happens in these groups is fast and convenient.“
Other than announcing official information regarding the building, it has also become a platform to share personal information. Benny Kuriakose, a conservation architect who is also a part of such a group says, “Even during the floods, it was a group like this that came to our rescue. Even now, important announcements, even personal ones, are made in the WhatsApp group. For instance, a resident may not be in a state to individually inform the demise of a close relative. In such a situation, they drop a message and we quickly go over to their house to help them or at least pass on our condolences.“ While these groups are useful for all the residents, they also help home-owners, who do not reside there. As a media professional who works six days a week, Rashmi M barely has any time to attend these meetings and that's why to her WhatsApp group is a boon. “Since I am new to the city, I also get information about happenings in my neighbourhood from it. But most importantly, it helps my landlord, who lives in the US, to stay updated with the developments in our residential complex.They remain updated on developments such as a hike in the monthly maintenance or important celebrations that happen in our building.“