Several calls to toll free number introduced to help people file water complaints went unanswered a day after its launch
A toll free helpline, which was launched by Thane district authorities on Monday in the wake of the water crisis to help people report illegal water supply or overcharging tankers, proved useless as nobody answered that phone throughout the next day.
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Rather than solving people’s water woes, the helpline adds to them. Representative pic
mid-day called the number — 1077 — several times during the day but got no answers. This, rather than solving people’s water woes, adds to them by making them continuously try the number to get help.
“The water crisis has reached a very bad stage this year. In Navi Mumbai, when authorities roam around in autos announcing water cuts during the day, we are at work and hence are not informed about it unless we find out through the newspaper or the watchman. In such a situation, the toll free number could prove useful but if is not working then we are left helpless,” said Asiya Shaikh, a resident of Nerul.
Collector says
Ashwini Joshi, Thane District Collector, told mid-day, “It is a disaster management toll free number that we are using for the water complaints. I will check with my authorities and see that it is active for the public.”
“Recently, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had ordered all state collectors to launch toll free numbers so that those who want to file complaints over water could easily approach the authorities,” said Aniruddha Ashtaputre, public relations officer, Thane district collector’s office.
Ashtaputre added that the number was launched for those who were getting delayed responses on their complaints.
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