Technical Glitches Redirecting 101 Calls to Other Cities Pose Safety Concerns
Pune residents are expressing frustration as a significant number of fire-related emergency calls placed to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are being diverted to fire stations in neighboring cities. This issue, attributed to technical glitches, not only inconveniences callers but also hampers timely responses to critical situations.
According to statistics from the PMC fire department, the summer season witnesses a substantial increase in fire-related incidents, with over 30 calls received daily compared to the usual 10 to 15 calls per day during other times of the year. The surge in incidents, coupled with call diversions, exacerbates the challenges faced by the fire department in managing emergencies effectively.
Instances of misplaced calls have been reported by Pune residents, with incidents where calls meant for the Pune fire control room were connected to fire departments in cities such as Nagpur, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Ahmednagar, Nashik, and Kolhapur. This recurring issue underscores the urgent need for resolution from mobile service providers to rectify the technical malfunction.
Ramesh Gangad, assistant divisional officer at the PMC fire department, acknowledged the problem, emphasizing the need for cooperation from mobile companies to address the issue promptly. He highlighted the inconvenience caused to both the public and emergency responders due to call redirections, stressing the importance of a seamless communication system during crises.
Nandkishor Indani, a radio technician at the Pune fire department, reiterated the technical nature of the problem and urged mobile companies to take corrective measures. Despite efforts to mitigate the issue, incidents of call redirection persist, affecting emergency response coordination across cities.
The PMC’s efforts to enhance fire safety infrastructure include plans to establish five new fire stations in strategic locations across Pune, such as Baner, Kharadi, Bavdhan, Mohammadwadi, and Dhayari. Additionally, the procurement of specialized high-rise firefighting and rescue vehicles and the recruitment of additional firefighters aim to bolster the city’s emergency response capabilities.
As Pune continues to expand, ensuring seamless emergency services becomes paramount. Addressing technical challenges and augmenting firefighting resources are crucial steps in safeguarding the lives and properties of Pune residents during emergencies.
