BENGALURU: Civic body BBMP started a dedicated helpline for doorstep delivery of kitchen staples and other essential items on Tuesday, a move aimed at discouraging householders from venturing out during the lockdown.
Citizens can order groceries and medicines by calling 080-61914960 or sending a WhatsApp text. The orders will be forwarded to registered local provision stores, which will dispatch the items within 24 hours. The stores can charge Rs 10 extra per order.
Though the new helpline seeks to primarily serve people living in areas declared as containment zones because of coronavirus infections, residents of other localities can also use it. Chief minister BS Yediyurappa announced the launch of the helpline, claiming it’s the first such initiative in the country. “By calling the helpline or sending a Whatsapp message, one can get essentials delivered now,” he said, urging citizens to use it and avoid stepping out.
The launch follows complaints by people trapped indoors in containment zones. They are not allowed to leave their homes even for buying provisions. The delivery option will ease some frustrations, though how efficiently supplies move on the ground remains to be seen. BBMP trialled this initiative in Katriguppe ward last week and it was described as a success. “Over 11,000 people got their orders using this helpline in just seven days,” Yediyurappa said.
In the expanded version, 18,000 grocery, vegetables and medical shops have registered with BBMP. Eleven delivery agencies, including Dunzo, have signed up. The helpline, MP Tejasvi Surya’s idea, is managed by 50 executives, and over 4,000 volunteers have offered to deliver goods.
Citizens can order groceries and medicines by calling 080-61914960 or sending a WhatsApp text. The orders will be forwarded to registered local provision stores, which will dispatch the items within 24 hours. The stores can charge Rs 10 extra per order.
Though the new helpline seeks to primarily serve people living in areas declared as containment zones because of coronavirus infections, residents of other localities can also use it. Chief minister BS Yediyurappa announced the launch of the helpline, claiming it’s the first such initiative in the country. “By calling the helpline or sending a Whatsapp message, one can get essentials delivered now,” he said, urging citizens to use it and avoid stepping out.
The launch follows complaints by people trapped indoors in containment zones. They are not allowed to leave their homes even for buying provisions. The delivery option will ease some frustrations, though how efficiently supplies move on the ground remains to be seen. BBMP trialled this initiative in Katriguppe ward last week and it was described as a success. “Over 11,000 people got their orders using this helpline in just seven days,” Yediyurappa said.
In the expanded version, 18,000 grocery, vegetables and medical shops have registered with BBMP. Eleven delivery agencies, including Dunzo, have signed up. The helpline, MP Tejasvi Surya’s idea, is managed by 50 executives, and over 4,000 volunteers have offered to deliver goods.
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