Mumbai has finally barricaded itself like the fortress cities of ancient times.
By Robin Shukla
Dateline Mumbai informs that, apart from Dahisar, the toll nakas at Mulund, Thane and Vashi are now also sealed. All trains, local as well as interstate, and also the metro networks, are at a standstill. Flights are grounded at both the city’s airports.
Emirates Airlines Flights.
Other cities and districts in India are reportedly following suit, and this brings to mind the past ages when plague and pestilence rendered entire populations completely isolated.
The tragedy of our civilization is that some people will find themselves trapped either on the inside wanting to leave Mumbai or outside and wanting to get in.
However, the surging numbers of confirmed cases and deaths still ravaging Italy indicate that this kind of extended lockdown may be the only way to prevent contagion from getting out of hand.
Whether it is too late a measure or was not soon enough is itself a topic too late for discussion today.
In spite of the countless number of videos and articles about preventive remedies and supposed cures, the stark fact is that we are still at the mercy of the virus, regardless of our social and economic standing.
So the best option is to stay put until such time as we are told and to take a call on stepping out of our spaces only when the danger abates.
Even as we pray for the sick, the dying, and for their families, please let us spare a thought for the doctors, nurses and medical staff, for all those in the essential services and in the police and security forces, not forgetting our journalists, as they all continue to risk their lives to keep us protected and informed.
Robin Shukla
Senior Journalist
Melbourne, Australia