Punjab’s government has launched a public safety campaign urging citizens to report open or uncovered manholes and drains in their neighborhoods.
The campaign provides a dedicated WhatsApp helpline (0321-9477240) where residents can send details such as the location, GPS coordinates, and photos of hazardous manholes. Citizens are also encouraged to contact local district administrations directly.
The notice highlights that complaints not addressed within 15 days should be reported again. Additional contact numbers for control rooms, WASA, and Islamabad-Rawalpindi emergency coordination are also listed, indicating cross-city collaboration in addressing urban safety risks.
Open manholes and drains have long been a threat in cities, particularly during the rainy season and at night, causing injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. By asking residents to actively report hazards, the government aims to prevent accidents before they occur.
Experts say such public awareness campaigns reflect a growing reliance on citizen reporting to compensate for gaps in municipal monitoring and maintenance. While the helpline provides an important tool for safety, it also underscores persistent challenges in urban infrastructure management.