Pune News: The Disaster Management Department Control Room (24×7) of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has released three new helpline numbers for citizens. The PMC faced significant criticism during the recent flooding in the city when residents from various areas discovered that the existing helpline number was switched off after certain hours.
The newly released numbers are 020-24401269, 020-67801500, and 020-25506800, which will now be functional round the clock to report any emergency.
Background
Pune Times Mirror reported on June 10 that the PMC’s helpline number was not assisting citizens in times of need, remaining unavailable after 11 p.m. Many residents were at their wits’ end when they received no response from the Disaster Management Department as rainwater entered their homes.
Although the concept of disaster management includes 24×7 readiness to help, the PMC’s disaster management cell operated only between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., as indicated by its helpline number’s connectivity. Following an uproar among citizens, the PMC has now released three helpline numbers to address this issue.
Recent Flooding and Public Response
Earlier in the month, heavy rains wreaked havoc in the city, leading to flooding in many areas. Fear gripped the residents as the accumulated water found no outlet to recede. In such scenarios, the only hope was the PMC. However, with its helpline number not responding, residents had to fend for themselves and attempt to get rid of the floodwaters. Many citizens, whom Pune Times Mirror spoke to, mentioned the helpline number was useless during the crisis. One resident questioned, “After 11 p.m., would we depend on ourselves?”
Previous Helpline Issues
Aside from the helpline number 18001030222, even the Disaster Management Department numbers (020-25506800 and 020-2556801) listed on the PMC website were ineffective. Contacting these numbers also proved futile, according to citizen reports.
Krishna Hatekar, a resident from Dhankawadi, shared his experience with Pune Times Mirror: “During the cloudburst, I was in complete havoc, and there was no functional PMC helpline number. There was waterlogging and incidents of trees falling, which we couldn’t report. Now that new helpline numbers are released, there is a ray of hope for help.”
Official Response
Ganesh Sonune, head of PMC’s disaster management cell, addressed the criticism: “The department has faced a lot of criticism over poor disaster management. We have released three helpline numbers that will be operational round the clock, and any complaint raised will be resolved once the call is received. Even earlier, the control room employees responded to every phone call and made sure every complaint was noted.”
The PMC’s introduction of three new helpline numbers is a step towards improving its disaster management response and ensuring that residents can access help at any time. This move aims to rebuild trust and provide timely assistance during emergencies, addressing the shortcomings highlighted during the recent floods.
