Exercise caution on Marine Drive promenade

Representation pic

Mumbai's iconic promenade, Marine Drive, is back in the news and views with crowds returning to the stretch, as we see the rain pelt the city.

This paper's digital edition featured a number of photographs of Mumbaikars cavorting on the sea-facing stretch, as waves lashed out and the skies opened above them.

Enjoy the city and the moments of joy and memories it gives you, but always do so with a mix of energy and awareness. Keep within the rules, which means do not clamber down from the promenade onto the boulders and tetrapods below to enjoy the waves hitting you.

The sea is a deceptive, temperamental beast; it will take you away in a trice, even before one can process what exactly is going on. We often see cops rushing to control revellers making their way towards the sea after dancing and prancing on tetrapods. Instead of obeying and walking back up on the wall and promenade, many youngsters are playing hide ‘n' seek or actually defying the police as they try to evade them.

Even standing on the promenade and walking on it should be done with caution. One can slip, as the rain makes the surface slick, resulting in significant injury. Always maintain order while feeling the rain on you. Walk enjoying the breeze, but do so on the pavement and do not push, shove or race past others, not caring who you even inadvertently knock against in that running.

Finally, watch out for speeding cars as you cross over on this stretch. Use designated crossings and do so at signals. Always stay safe as you celebrate this city.