September 1, 2014 – The Metrognome

Stop power thefts: Mumbaikars write to police chief

Residents from the F-North ward have written to Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria exhorting him to stop power thefts during festivals.

by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Irked by frequent instances of power thefts from public utilities, a group of residents from F-North ward have dashed off a letter to Mumbai Police chief Rakesh Maria. The letter appreciates his latest order to Ganpati mandals not to steal power from light poles or other public utilities, and entreats him to be as strict with other instances of theft also.

In the letter, written by Sion-based activist GR Vora on behalf of F-North ward residents, the group has asked Maria to issue instructions that proper vigil be maintained even during celebrations like Eid, Navratri and other festivals, to ensure that power is not stolen. Additionally, the letter exhorts the police to nab hawkers taking power from residential housing societies for their illegal stalls or businesses. Interestingly, these residents have asked for a dedicated helpline that citizens can use to report power thefts.

The letter is reproduced below:

‘Dated: 23.8.2014

To,

Police Commissioner (Mr Rakesh Maria),

Police Commissioner’s Office, L T Marg,

Mumbai – 400002

Sub. :– Electricity thefts from public utilities (street-light poles, residential buildings etc) by organisers of functions on our roads, footpaths and other open spaces.

Ref. :–

Police Commissioner’s meeting with BEST officials in response to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mr Ketan Tirodkar against power thefts by Ganesh Utsav Mandals.
TOI newsitem dated 23.8.2014, on page 11, titled “Mandals told to refrain from stealing power for Ganapati” (copy enclosed)

Dear Sir,

This is to compliment you for warning Ganesh Utsav Mandals against stealing electricity from public amenities (street-light poles etc) during Ganesh Utsav celebrations.

But we wish to bring to your notice that during other celebrations too, such as Shivaji Jayanti, Ramzan Id, Navratri etc. and festivals of several other religious groups, electricity is stolen from our street-light poles and from residential buildings for lighting their pandals and other light decorations. Also, unauthorised hawkers steal electricity from our light poles or illegally take power-extensions from domestic users (like homes, housing societies etc) and steal it for lighting their stalls/bakadas. Please note that usage of power from domestic CHS sources too should not be permitted as it is used for commercial purpose.

So we urge you and all other members of the Vigilance Cell (i.e. Police Commissioner, Chief Security Officer (BEST), Chief Vigilance Officer of BEST – Electrical and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) ) to kindly keep vigil on all such violators and take immediate stringent penal action against them as it is a burden upon all other citizens who have to pay frequent increase in tariffs for power usage.

Sir, it would be highly worthwhile if a telephone helpline is initiated for citizens to report such power thefts directly to the Vigilance Cell, so that prompt action can be taken against the people who steal power.

We would appreciate if you could inform us of the action taken on our complaint and suggestions.

Thanking you.

Sd/- GR Vora

For all members of F-North ward Citizens Federation.’

What do you think of the power theft issue in Mumbai? Tell us your views in the comments section below.

(Image used for representational purpose only)

Dementia: How it strikes and whom

We’re observing Alzheimer’s Awareness Month all of September 2014, and kickstarting the series with basic information on dementia and its effects.

by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.com

We at The Metrognome have always supported the causes of elders in society. Last year, we observed all of September 2013 as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. This year, too, we are kickstarting the Alzheimer’s Awareness campaign with a few nuggets of information about dementia, its effects and living with it.

The Alzheimer’s Disease International lists these facts about dementia:

– Dementia is a term used to describe different brain disorders that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion.

– Early symptoms of dementia can include memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language and changes in personality.

– Dementia knows no social, economic, or ethnic boundaries.

– Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Other causes include vascular disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and fronto-temporal dementia.

– There are currently estimated to be 44 million people worldwide living with dementia. The number of people affected is set to rise to over 135 million by 2050.

– There is one new case of dementia worldwide every four seconds.

– The worldwide costs of dementia exceeded 1 per cent of global GDP in 2010, at US$604 billion. As a result, if dementia care were a country, it would be the world’s 18th largest economy. If it were a company, it would be the world’s largest by annual revenue exceeding Wal-Mart (US$414 billion) and Exxon Mobil (US$311 billion).

– Dementia is often hidden away, not spoken about, or ignored at a time when the person living with dementia and their family carers are most in need of support within their families, friendship groups and communities.

– The social stigma is the consequence of a lack of knowledge about dementia and it can have numerous long- and short-term effects, including:

Dehumanisation of the person with dementia
Strain within families and friendships
A lack of sufficient care for people with dementia and their carers
A lower rate of diagnosis of dementia
Delayed diagnosis and support

– The stigmatisation of dementia is a global problem and it is clear that the less we talk about dementia, the more the stigma will grow. This World Alzheimer’s Month we encourage you to find out more and play your part in reducing the stigma and improving the lives of people with dementia and their carers in your community.

We welcome your views, suggestions and articles on Alzheimer’s, dementia, caregiving, and indeed, the gamut of ageing. Do send us relevant content about events, news and personal anecdotes about Alzheimer’s to editor@themetrognome.in, and we will publish it in this space.

(Pictures courtesy www.2gb.com)