It moved at some speed towards pedestrians on a couple of instances before being scooped by the fielder
Representational Image
This paper’s Sunday edition had a snippet tucked away within its pages. This showed several people crossing the Azad Maidan path from opposite Fashion Street to go towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).
There were a fair number of people, as this was close to Diwali, and shoppers were crowding Fashion Street for last-minute festive buys. These persons had to keep a wary eye out for the cricket ball while crossing over towards CSMT. A number of local matches, friendly fixtures, were being played at Azad Maidan. Locals in all-white were chasing the red cherry, which was whizzing in all directions. It moved at some speed towards pedestrians on a couple of instances before being scooped by the fielder.
Authorities need to place nets at the edge to prevent people from being hit by the cricket ball. While a steel/metal fence would be ideal, even nets, such as cricket nets, will do the job. Shockingly, people walking by are in danger. Being hit by a cricket ball is not a trivial matter. It can be very bad, and in extreme cases, if hit on the head through a lofted shot, it can prove fatal.
As it is, our pedestrians have enough challenges. Most of our footpaths are eaten up by encroachments. Bikers coming from the wrong side are a considerable threat to all those walking on the roads. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to people negotiating the city on foot.
While we talk about saving our maidans, our maidans must be safe havens too. They must have perimeter fencing wherever needed. Most of these scarce open spaces do have players playing with a cricket ball that can concuss or even kill. That is why helmets have been introduced. Why take a chance, even with freak accidents? Put up those nets and safeguard people now.
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