Heavy rain proves a boon for rickshaw-pullers in city

Amit Bathla

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Tribune News Service

Bathinda, July 18

Three days after the heavy rain in the city, water still remains accumulated on various roads across the city. One such stretch is low-lying Power House Road, known for such issues in rainy season.

While this has caused inconvenience to passersby and motorists, it is proving profitable for rickshaw-pullers and auto-rickshaw drivers, who are charging high rates to ferry passengers.

The rickshawallas can be seen standing on either side of a portion of this stretch, where water is still accumulated to two to three feet, to carry passengers.

Rati Ram, a rickshaw-puller, said, “It is proving gainful for us to stand on this road to ferry passengers, who are ready to pay high price. With water levels coming down, the rates have also come down. A few days ago, it was around Rs200 for a few kilometers. But now it’s just Rs50. However, it’s my first day on this road.”

Seeing some passengers coming from other side of the waterlogged patch, he advises his elder counterpart to go to that side of the road.

It doesn’t take them much time to get passengers, who have no option other than facing the brunt of authorities’ laxity towards the issue of waterlogging in various parts of the city.

If someone tries to take bike into the waters, these develop snags. Thus, residents are compelled to hire rickshaws to get through the inundated portion of this road.

A passerby, Jeevan, said, “I have no other option than to take a rickshaw. Two days have passed, but the water levels are still the same. I don’t know what authorities are doing while sitting in their air-conditioned offices. Houses of even senior officials were submerged in deep water, following the record rainfall. It’s shameful that Bathinda has been hitting national headlines for waterlogging.”