JMC’s Flood Helpline Turns Helpless: Citizens Left Struggling Amid Official Apathy

RC Sharma Chanakya
Jammu, Sept 06: In the wake of the recent torrential downpour that wreaked havoc across the city, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) had announced a series of public outreach initiatives to support citizens in distress. Among them was the circulation of dedicated helpline numbers for grievances related to water supply and drinking water availability. However, what was meant to be a lifeline for the people has turned into a frustrating tale of bureaucratic indifference.
The rains in Jammu over the past few days have not only caused widespread flooding but also left many localities struggling without access to basic civic services, particularly potable water. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the JMC declared emergency response measures, including issuing mobile helpline numbers divided across Jammu North and Jammu South, under the jurisdiction of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department. The move was intended to ensure a prompt response by enabling officers to reach out to affected residents in a more organised manner.
However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Despite the publication of these numbers, citizens report unanswered calls, switched-off phones, and unresponsive officials, even in urgent situations. In one specific instance, a resident from Janipur, struggling to access clean water, reached out to this journalist for assistance. As a responsible member of the press and a concerned citizen, I attempted to contact AEE Mr. Nanda on the designated helpline number 9419182053 at 5:19 PM. Although the call was answered, I was informed that Mr. Nanda was inside the chamber of the JMC Commissioner attending a meeting, and that he would return the call afterward.
That return call never came.
Repeated attempts were made to contact Mr. Nanda. The phone was found switched off during multiple intervals-6:52 PM and again at 7:29 PM-leaving the citizen’s plea for water unresolved. Giving the benefit of doubt, one could assume the phone’s battery had drained due to overuse. But unfortunately, the lack of response
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seemed more habitual than incidental.
Determined to seek a resolution, I then tried to reach Superintending Engineer Er. Sunil Gandotra on his official number at 8:42 PM, only to face further disappointment. The call went unanswered. A follow-up attempt at 9:36 PM yielded the same result-no response, no accountability.
This raises a serious and uncomfortable question: What purpose do these helpline numbers serve if the officers behind them are neither available nor responsive during emergencies? These officials, entrusted with public service and generously compensated from the taxpayers’ money, seem to treat their roles as optional rather than obligatory.
The apparent indifference shown by AEE Mr. Nanda and SE Mr. Gandotra during a time of crisis is not only unacceptable but deeply concerning. It reflects a mindset far removed from the ideals of public service and civic responsibility. When the city suffers, its citizens expect their officials to lead from the front-not hide behind switched-off phones and closed doors.
I urge the Commissioner of Jammu Municipal Corporation to take immediate and serious cognisance of this matter. It is imperative that there be regular monitoring and accountability checks on officers whose contact details are publicly circulated in times of disaster. These are not just numbers-they are meant to be lifelines for people in distress.
When public faith in institutions begins to erode, it is often because of such small but telling instances of indifference. The JMC must ensure that such lapses are not repeated, and that its officers truly stand by the public in their hour of need-not just on paper, but in practice.