Our worshipful Mayor was in a hurry to inaugurate and open the vital Balmatta road (Ambedkar Circle to Hampankatta) for traffic before her tenure ended.
But was it necessary? As all of us can see, only concretisation has been completed, and the entire work of footpath is pending! The whole road looks a terrible mess and dirty, with footpaths yet to be completed on both sides of the road.
God knows when all the works including marking of parking bays will be completed? It is rather unfortunate that our leaders are in a hurry to lay the foundation stones for projects and subsequently to inaugurate them, and take credit for all these works during the election time!
They are least concerned about the convenience of the citizens which comes last on their priority. Even on the beautiful M G Road, at certain areas, the footpath has collapsed creating pits and craters, because the paverlocks were laid in a hurry.
Balmatta Road being a one way traffic road, it will be better to consider parking of 2/4 wheelers on the right side of the road (as we go from Ambedkar circle to Hampankatta) since the traffic can flow freely on the left side of this road.
Also since we have cross roads on the left near Don Bosco Hall and Milagres Centre, parking of vehicles must never be allowed on the left side.
May be a parking bay which is 6 to 8 ft wide, can be marked on the entire stretch (on the right side of the road) except, where there are commercial establishments, and I would suggest a token parking fees of Rs 5 to Rs 10 could be collected by the traffic department or the corporation authorities, which can be used for minor maintenance work on these roads.
Such a system will not only bring in discipline in the way vehicles are parked, and their safety also is taken care of, while generating revenue for the authorities concerned. The presence of a traffic cop on this road will be of great help in felicitating free flow of traffic.
B N R Rao,
Vivek Nagar, Kulur.
Can a senior citizen drive a public vehicle?
Senior citizens driving autorikshaws is a common sight in Mangalore city. Even though their health is good, most of them have poor eye sight. I have observed in many occasions that their driving is not good and that they have a lot of confusion and tension, while driving, which often frightens the passengers, especially in a crowded place.
On questioning about driving a public vehicle in his old age, one autorikshaw driver replied, “If a senior citizen can drive a private vehicle, why not a public vehicle? Whether the answer is right or not, it is dangerous to allow them do it. Hence I request the RTO to give clarification on the matter. What is the age limit to drive a public vehicle? Who is responsible if something happens to the passengers?
K P A Rahim, Jeppu, Mangalore
Drivers stop using cell phones
The number of accidents in the State and National Highways are increasing day by day and human beings are dying like animals in road accidents. The main reason for all these is the drivers using cell phones while driving.
They forget their responsibility while steering the vehicles with one hand as the other hand is occupied with the cell phone. This circus ends up usually with losing control and in accidents. Such careless and negligent attitudes take the life of commuters and pedestrians at the same time causing more problems by colliding with other vehicles on the road.
The question is whether the drivers need cell phone while driving. They should consider the safety of the passengers first. Recently the regional transport authorities had cautioned the drivers that suitable action will be taken if they were found using mobile phones while driving.
The police are the culprits here as they often turn a blind eye towards the offenders even in heavy traffic roads. Even while the government has come with strict measures like seizure of cell phones and cancellation of driving license, the worry still remains whether these measures will be implemented properly.
J F D’Souza,
Attavar, Mangalore.
Mobile mania monster
A ‘friend’ who had said ‘Call me anytime on my mobile’ was warmly remembered on Sunday. With a smile I dial, connect and hear a stern, ‘Hello I’m in a meeting, will call later’. The snappy voice made me tense.
I am apprehensive to call mobiles, as they may be on road, at office, or may be disturbed. Once I called a very friendly person, who always said his neighbour was very important to him. In response I heard a bark, “I am in prayer’ and disconnected.
The people who are in person very cordial and human, when occupied, simply switch off or go into a mode to register calls and messages. I hear that these gadgets can adapt to all needs, so why be uncivil? For years I have just an ancient land line and have availed of BSNL’s voice mail to cover times when I just couldn’t attend calls, for civility sake.
We see people in strange situations performing acts that would impress even circus personalities, to answer mobiles, chatting away without end. One commonly sees mobiles being misused in prohibited ways, but they don’t get pulled up.
Even those who have absolutely no need and no occupation at all or responsibility, hanging on to these ‘terror gadgets’. The service providers are even on their toes advertising that you can talk any time and for free, it seems soon you may get paid to talk on mobiles! So even terror peddlers and all the rest are using these for high destruction.
In courts, using mobiles attract fines and even imprisonment for contempt. In contrast, places of worship do not trouble people. Gods don’t retaliate. Medicos warn of critical damage to brain and organs within the skull due to use of mobiles. But, all and sundry talk and talk to no end, neglecting the work and files on the table.
The persons sitting before them with problems are never heard but just ignored to deep disappointment. Are mobile buffs listening to any sense?
I J S Shet,
Morgan’s Gate.
Readers may send their letters to The Editor, Deccan Herald, Yenepoya Chambers, 2nd floor, Balmatta, Mangalore or e-mail to dhmangalore@deccanherald.co.in.
