National Association for the Blind with HQ at Worli is concerned that heavy traffic could affect the blind crossing the road
National Association for the Blind with HQ at Worli is concerned that heavy traffic could affect the blind crossing the road
Most Mumbaikars were busy last evening gaping at the fireworks on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, which will open to the public today.
But the National Association for the Blind (NAB) headquarters at Worli Sea Face has more serious concerns how will the blind cross the road near the Sea Face stretch, with traffic density going up.
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NAB has hence suggested that a foot overbridge or subway opening out to the entrance of the NAB complex be built.
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It had expressed its concern in a letter to Municipal Commissioner Jairaj Phatak on March 25.
The letter, signed by NAB's honorary secretary, had said, "Due to this link, vehicular traffic on Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Road (Worli Sea Face) is going to increase considerably."
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It goes on to state that an average of 100-150 blind persons visit the NAB complex on a daily basis. Heavy traffic as a result of the link may make crossing the road very difficult for them.
A bridge, maybe
"I sent this letter in March, but there has been no response, so I met Jairaj Phatak yesterday evening at his office and brought up this issue.
Phatak appreciated my point and in principle he has agreed that a foot overbridge may be a possibility. It may take some time, though," said S Karnik, NAB's honorary secretary.
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Phatak acknowledged that he has met Karnik. "I have asked my roads department to examine the feasibility of a pedestrian foot overbridge on the Worli Sea Face stretch," he said.
Inside the NAB
The National Association for the Blind complex has a Braille press, talking book library, employment department and a call centre operated by the blind besides a cyber cafu00e9 within it.