NEW DELHI: For thousands of residents in the capital, registering a simple water complaint has become an exhausting task, as most helpline numbers listed by the Delhi Jal Board remain non-functional.
When this newspaper dialled the 28 helpline numbers listed on the DJB website across different zones, only two numbers connected, while the rest either went unanswered, were switched off, or failed to go through entirely. The lack of response on these numbers has been leaving residents without any reliable phone-based grievance system.
“There is no point calling. We’ve tried repeatedly, but no one picks up. Eventually, we had to go to the office,” said a resident from east Delhi, Asha Narayan.
Another resident from south Delhi said, “I have tried the helpline numbers; they are all invalid.” I have written to the DJB several times—mailed them, posted handwritten letters complaining about the water issues in our area—but no response.”
While DJB maintains an active presence on social media platforms like X, residents say responses are selective and inconsistent, with many complaints going unanswered despite daily tags and follow-ups.
Another citizen from Old Delhi, Abrar Ahmad, said, “The breakdown of the helpline system has effectively shut down the most accessible grievance redressal channel for citizens, particularly affecting the elderly and those unable to travel long distances in peak summer heat.”
With water shortages already intensifying amid rising temperatures, the lack of responsive communication has compounded distress.”
He added, “For the past 15-17 days, the residents of the Jama Masjid area have been in tremendous stress due to water shortage. Whom do we call? Where to go with this problem? It is a real-life struggle for us considering the extreme weather conditions.”
Despite repeated complaints, there has been no comprehensive response from the DJB on why majority of its helplines remain defunct. When this newspaper contacted the Delhi Jal Board, it refused of comment. An official had shared an email ID for a response, however no reply was received.
