Mumbai: At a time when it is raining cats and dogs, citizens get a public disclaimer from authorities asking them not to venture out from houses until it’s really necessary. In the past, several instances of citizens becoming victims of rain-related accidents like slipping on a pothole, falling in a manhole or a branch of tree falling onto them have been witnessed, but have you ever wondered how difficult it must be for people with physical disabilities? During monsoon how do their lives get affected and how do they manage their livelihood, when the city comes to a standstill, is something that calls for introspection. The answer to all these questions is that disabled people especially during the monsoon experience increasing difficulties. Geeta Madavkar (30) who is visually-challenged and resident of Wadala said, “Like others I also have to go out to do my job and earn my livelihood. I cannot be in my house just because it's raining out.
Yes, the fact cannot be denied that during rainy season we face lot more challenges. Since we do not know how much water is there on a particular road until we walk on it. Moreover, there is always a fear that if any manhole is kept open. Every year same water logging problem is seen, no proper monsoon preparedness is carried out and it seems government feels as if we (disabled people) do not exist; for our safety what provisions do they have? Every life is precious, therefore, I only urge the authorities to work diligently.” Rajendra Chavan, who is also visually-challenged believes as compared to other cities of Maharashtra, Mumbai provides a lot of job opportunities, especially in the field of banking and in massage parlours. Moreover the city is accessible due to its transport system. Therefore disabled and blind people prefer this city despite it getting waterlogged during monsoon endangering their lives. Chavan who had shifted to Jalgoan four years ago is now working as a lecturer in a private Academy, shared one deadly experience of rainy season while he was living in Mumbai.
“When I was living here like every day I left for my office. However, while returning home during night it was a difficult task as that day the city witnessed heavy rainfall. The entire area around the boy’s hostel in Chembur, where I was residing was flooded due to continuous rains. I cannot forget that day, because somehow risking my life I gathered the courage to walk from that waterlogged road. I had a narrow escape. Perhaps I was lucky, others may not be. Waterlogging is observed every year at same places in the city, still BMC seems to be hardly doing anything to prevent such situations.” Rahul Salvi a resident of Vashi, who is physically challenged suggests that along with the disclaimer of not venturing out, the government should also instruct owners of hotels, malls, schools, colleges and others to allow disabled people to take shelter (blind and physically challenged) until everything is back to normal. It will help those who already left from their homes. Such simple measures can really save someone's life during such emergency situations.”
Legislator Bacchu Kadu, who represents disabled people commented, “Before thinking of coming up with preventive measures, the government should have the willingness to accept the fact that such people also live in this society only then a change can be seen.” “In International countries like Japan when a disabled citizen travels in a public transport at the stations there are helpers deployed for their assistance 24X7. On pressing a button the helpers come with a wheelchair. In fact after regular follow-up, at least in Maharashtra the funds reserved for disabled citizens are utilised to some extent though not one hundred per cent, but other states in comparison are way behind,” Kadu said.
