With the suspension of mobile services, residents in Srinagar are not able to call on helpline numbers to seek redressal of grievances amid COVID19 lockdown.
However, the district administration said it has framed astrategy so that people can raise their grievances like supply of essentialsand medicines.
The suspension of mobile phones and 2G internet service bythe authorities across Kashmir on Wednesday has left people fuming. They saidthe helpline numbers were the only mode of communication for them amid thelockdown owing to the COVID19 pandemic.
In Srinagar, people largely used internet and mobile serviceto receive updates, health advisories and other relevant instruction from thedistrict administration regarding COVID19.
The mobile communication gag is also a bad news for thosewho are in distress and trying to seek help.
Recently, the district administration launched a 20-operatorcall centre which as per officials used to receive 1,500 to 2,000 calls everyday from people in need or those enquiring about health services andinformation related to the COVID19.
Similarly help-lines set up by police and health departmentwere also receiving a good response from people.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Syed Sajad Qadrisaid they have framed a strategy to ensure people grievances do not go unheardand unaddressed.
He said Patwaris have been directed to communicate to thehigher authorities about any issue in their jurisdiction.
“Similarly, people in need can contact Naib Tehsildar officeor tehsil office. Grievances like supply of vegetables, medicines and otheressential commodities will be met forthwith,” Qadri said.
He said as BSNL mobile phones were working they expectpeople to use the service themselves and allow neighbors to use the service tocontact any helpline number.
Qadri said the district administration was proactive inreaching out to the people in need. He said the administration has pressed 50load carriers into service to ensure supply of essential items to people atdoorsteps on daily basis, amid the COVID19 lockdown. These load carriers werebeing deputed to designated areas where they supply milk, cereals, LPG andother essentials on daily basis, he said.
Qadri said a dedicated team of officials has also beendeputed to each red zone where any local issue or grievance was redressed onthe spot.