Pune: If you see any feeder or DP without or broken door, any loose wire is broken or hanging around, any underground cable exposed due to road digging or any other issue related to safety, then you can just click a photo from your camera and send it through WhatsApp to the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) officials who would initiate repair work instantly on receiving the message and also revert with an action-taken photo.
Ankush Nale, Director, Pune Region of MSEDCL has issued a circular regarding this. He has instructed his officials to take immediate action on receiving information on WhatsApp and also inform the complainant (information sender) about the appropriate action taken.
Residents of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities, Haveli, Mulshi, Velhe, Maval, Khed, Junnar and Ambegaon talukas can contact on 7875767123 number. Residents of Baramati, Indapur, Daund, Shirur, Bhor and Purandar talukas can contact on 7875768074 number.
MSEDCL officials have appealed to citizens that only complaints related to public safety and electrical hazards should be forwarded on these numbers. Citizens should avoid calling on these numbers. Also, citizens who don’t have WhatsApp service can text message the location and complaint.
Once the complaint with photo is received on the WhatsApp or text message, it will be forwarded to the concerned Divisional or Sub-Divisional office. After the complaint is resolved, the complainant will be forwarded to the photo of the repaired site. MSEDCL has appealed to citizens to use this service and help improve public safety.
Last year, a 6-year-old boy was electrocuted when he came in contact with an electric pole while playing in the Gangadham society garden. After this incident, the MSEDCL had appealed to societies to conduct safety audit in their premises. Open and unattended cables near dug up roads, electric poles and open feeder points pose the maximum risks for the public at large. Last year, 21 people died due to electrical accidents in the city.