Nashik: They cost less than Rs 50, but they may save your life.
Many two-wheeler riders in Nashik are now fitting aluminium rods to their scooters and bikes to protect their necks and faces from nylon manja, a problem city police have been trying for years to stamp out.
The rods are commonplace in parts of Gujarat. Now, shops and garages all over Nashik city are providing them to those keen on avoiding stitches.
Every year during kite-flying season, Nashik records several cases of two-wheeler riders sustaining severe injuries. Citizens TOI spoke to said the rods may now be the only solution.
“My sister got me a rod from Ahmedabad, where she lives. I was talking to her about the threat we all face in Nashik from nylon manja. We’ve had at least nine injury cases recently. One person ended up with 75 stitches to his neck,” said Vaishali Jagtap, who works in the city’s CIDCO area.
Another resident, Jyoti Patil, said the rod she’s installed on her scooter may protect her child. “I pick her up from school every day. This solution works best for me and her,” Patil, who lives near Gangapur Road, said.
Some citizens have also held awareness campaigns to promote the accessory. Deepak Doke of the citizen group, Gunaratna Arogya Va Kashalya Vikas Kendra, said they’ve installed the rods on more than 500 vehicles, for free. “Many think the rods look odd. But they save lives. Our effort is small, but we hope people start to think more about the dangers of manja when they see them installed on bikes or scooters,” Doke said.
Businessman Sanjay Salvi said it’s now largely up to citizens to protect themselves. “Last year, a woman on a scooter died after manja slit her throat. She was on the Dwarka flyover when it happened,” he said, adding that he’s received many enquiries from neighbours and friends after he installed the rod on his bike.
And demand has gone up. “I remember last year people had rejected the solution. This year, given the rising number of manja injuries, more people have asked for it,” said Sagar Sonawane, whose shop sells the rods.
Police on their part have welcomed the installations. Authorities haven’t yet objected because the rods don’t impede vision, and their own efforts against nylon manja have fallen woefully short. “I sincerely hope demand for manja falls. We’ve so far externed as many as 74 people who were caught selling the thread. The action will intensify,” said a senior police officer, while urging those on two-wheelers to wear helmets.
