LPG crisis leaves visually impaired residents struggling for basic access

Visually impaired Rudra Dhokale (centre left), and Devendra Pannalagar (centre right) who is partially blind, leave the HP Gas agency in Mulund on Wednesday. PICS/ATUL KAMBLE

The ongoing LPG cylinder crisis is turning into a daily ordeal for the city's visually impaired residents, who are being forced to navigate long queues and make repeated visits to gas agencies just to access a basic necessity. What was once a reliable doorstep delivery service has now become largely inaccessible. Gas agencies, which earlier ensured hassle-free home delivery, are compelling customers to collect cylinders themselves, leaving many - especially the differently-abled - feeling helpless.

‘Made to run from pillar to post'

Rudra Dhokle, 21, Mulund resident
‘I was told the cylinder would be delivered by evening, so I waited at home the entire day. When it didn't arrive, I went to the agency and was told to come the next day. The next day, they told me to return on Wednesday. Even today I was sent back with the same assurance - but it's evening now, and the cylinder hasn't come. They know I am visually impaired and still make me travel back and forth. It is extremely difficult for us.'

‘At least answer phone calls'

Devendra Pannalagar, 39, Sion resident
‘I booked my cylinder on March 23, but neither the agency nor the delivery staff pick up calls. When I go to the office, they ask me to stand in line. When I tell them I'm blind, they say send someone else. The most painful part is the process. First, we have to go to the office to show an OTP and get a slip, and then travel another 400 metres to 1.5 km to the godown to collect the cylinder. We are not asking for priority, but at least respond to our calls and help us on time.' Devendra is a blind yoga instructor who runs an NGO. Through his organisation, he conducts special programmes for nearly 150 visually impaired individuals.

‘Forced to change life plans'

Nitesh Sharma, 32, Charkop resident
‘With the current gas crisis, even managing food has become difficult. I had to cancel my plan of bringing my wife here. I request the government and gas agencies that if we aren't given priority, at least to ensure we are not made to suffer this way.' For visually impaired Nilesh, the crisis has begun to affect his personal life. He earns a living by selling pens and small items near stations and markets, and was planning to bring his wife from the village.

March 21
Day Rudra Dhokle booked his LPG gas cylinder that he has still not received