Follow traffic rules and be damned

Those in the habit of jumping red lights on traffic signals not only flout rules and pose hazard of accident at busy intersections but they also give red faces to other law abiding road users. If you are waiting at the signal for the traffic light to go green, in all probability, oncoming traffic will block your movement when it is your turn to proceed. It is not uncommon for those respecting the traffic rules to face angry gestures and honking from other motorists while stopping at the red light. At times, even the indifferent traffic cops wave such road users to proceed without waiting for the traffic signal to go green. Will the arrogant motorists and two wheeler drivers ever learn to obey traffic rules and show some respect to the law?

Relief or stress?

State government claims to start PSPCL online complaint system to provide relief to consumers but same seems to have become a major headache. It was a harrowing experience late last night when a complaint had to be registered with the PSPCL. As there was no power in two phases, a complaint was lodged at 5055510 after trying the number for at least 5 times. The attendant said, “Shortly your complaint will be addressed.” And endless wait begin. The attendant gave two numbers of nodal officers for help, these were 9646112091 and 9646114712, which despite making repeated attempts for over 20 times, were not picked by anyone. In this process, two hours had already gone. Again the complaint office was contacted and number of lineman was provided. The lineman though answered the call in first attempt but his “15 minutes” took another one and a half hour to address to the problem. It took about four hours for getting the relief! Alas, real relief could be provided rather than the hollow claims.

Customers adding to woes

Hot and humid weather has been making life difficult for one and all. One comes across many fruit vendors on the city roads bearing harsh weather to earn their livelihood. A fruit seller on a city road said, “Whenever it rains, I have to take care of my fruits, otherwise fruit gets spoiled. So I have decided to sell the fruit rupees 10 per kg costlier than other days when it rains.” Making a satire on some people, the vendor said, “Many customers stop their cars near my rehari and start bargaining just to save rupees 10. But these people never bargain while visiting big shops, while buying a glass of juice or snacks. Such customers are also adding to our woes along with rainy season. Only the wearer knows where shoe pinches.”

Contributed by Kuldip Bhatia, Shivani Bhakoo and Anupam Bhagria