In addition to making a call centre for water supply complaints, a special cell is being planned in each ward for finding and arresting leakage and water theft
For a city flooded in water woes, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is in the process of creating a dedicated call centre for filing water supply related complaints. Citizens will be able to complain about leakage, no water supply, supply of contaminated water, etc on this helpline. BMC is also planning a special cell in each ward office, which will be responsible for finding and arresting leakage and water theft.
Due to the advancing summer, while the demand for water has increased, the stocks have remained the same. Many parts of the city are facing water scarcity and the situation is worse in the areas of Thane and Kalyan. Representational pic
ADVERTISEMENT
Since the seven lakes, which supply water to the city will be replenished only in monsoon, the BMC is now trying to save every drop of water. The BMC had therefore imposed 20 per cent water cut in terms of timing or 15 per cent cut in quantity since October 2015. However, due to the advancing summer, while the demand has increased, the stocks have remained the same. Many parts of the city are facing water scarcity and the situation is worse in the areas of Thane and Kalyan.
Centralised system
The general assembly had passed a resolution in December 2015 after a notice of motion by Corporator Ramashish Gupta.
Gupta had demanded that a special cell be set up in each ward to keep a check on pipeline bursts, leakages and acts of sabotage. This would also prevent illegal water connections. Gupta had also demanded a 24/7 helpline, stating ward officials are incapable of dealing with water supply related issues and therefore there is a need for a cell.
In response to this, the BMC’s hydraulic engineer’s department has announced that special cells are already being created and the BMC is in process of appointing officials for it. “The concept of the helpline is to make sure there is a centralised system of taking complaints. There will be a helpline for water supply related complaints and the call centre would then relay it to the concerned ward. Citizens can keep track of their complaints here and ward officials will have to undertake repairs within the stipulated time,” informed A S Tawadiya, chief hydraulic engineer.
The BMC is in the process of inviting bids for the call centre and plans to make it functional in the coming year. Meanwhile, the cell will be made operational soon with staffers from wards.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
