mid-day editorial: Co-operate with the men and women in uniform

Today sees Gauri visarjan in Mumbai. Already, we see some bandobast in preparation for Gauri Visarjan, a little more road signage, bamboos up at certain points and a slight increase in traffic police to ensure smooth movement of both pedestrians, traffic and of course the divine at certain junctions in the city

Today sees Gauri visarjan in Mumbai. Already, we see some bandobast in preparation for Gauri Visarjan, a little more road signage, bamboos up at certain points and a slight increase in traffic police to ensure smooth movement of both pedestrians, traffic and of course the divine at certain junctions in the city.

Mumbai has an added burden on our roads during festival times. More traffic, diversions on routes, many more pedestrians pose a challenge to the men in uniform. The Mumbai cops usually do a commendable job in these stressful times.

We must remember though that this initiative is a two-way street or effort. The cops need the co-operation of the people and drivers. The people need well-regulated roads and rules by the cops.

Overtaking from the left, breaking signals, speeding are obvious nos at all times, but more so when Mumbai faces more people than ever on its roads and hordes move towards lakes and beaches for Visarjan.

Ganpatis on carts rub shoulders with luxury cars and their awesome firepower, devotees walk on roads because there is no place on footpaths and certain lanes are choked full of people vying with each other to get to the destination first.

We know how difficult it is for people to find the space to walk on one side of the road. Let there be less haste and more maturity from every Mumbaikar. A spirit of co-operation and patience is called for. Bottle up that road rage and do not allow it to erupt.

Everybody has a stake in a smooth, happy festival whether it is the commuter, the driver of public and private transport, the pedestrian and the police.

While Mumbaikars mark Gauri visarjan there are still a few days to main visarjan and even after that the city will be in continual frenetic mode, till celebrations and festivities peter out. Discipline is key. Even Ganeshji agrees with that.

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