Get-well-soon SMSes flood MCD's 'sick dept'

The resident welfare association of Lajpat Nagar III in South Delhi has found a unique way to voice its angst against the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Neelam Pandey reports.

The resident welfare association of Lajpat Nagar III in South Delhi has found a unique way to voice its angst against the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

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Exasperated by failed attempts to get the civic body to repair two water pumps that supply water to the colony's parks, the residents are now SMSing 'get well soon' messages in bulk to senior officials of the MCD.

"It seems the horticulture department of Lajpat Nagar III is sick. Please send a 'Get Well Soon' SMS to the following phone numbers," the message reads.

MCD's horticulture director SS Khandpal confirmed he'd received the SMS.

"The water level was quite low because of which this happened. We will be getting them (the pumps) repaired within two days," he said.

The association has also been spreading the message among residents of other colonies asking them to forward the SMS to the officials concerned.

On Sunday, mobile phones of a number of MCD officials were flooded with the SMSes bordering on Gandhigiri — unusual and endearing non-violent forms of protest inspired by Hindi movie Munnabhai MBBS.

"We have tried everything — from writing formal complaints to visiting officials — but nothing has been done," said Harvinder Singh, general secretary of the colony's F-Block neighbourhood residents' association.

"The officials are sick and really need to get well soon. Maybe the SMSes can help."

The RWA of Lajpat Nagar maintains the 10 parks in the area. It is the MCD's responsibility to provide water pumps to water these parks.