The Unsung heroes of our Society

Lunch with Traffic Warden

During our initial interaction with traffic police warden we talked to one of the traffic wardens, Sub Inspector (SI) Ahmed, who was willing to sit down with us for lunch and talk about his experience. So we agreed on a time and date and decided to meet on 13^th of May. Thus, 13^th May, we had lunch with SI Ahmed Faraz and he explained his thankless job, how he faces abuse by traffic violators daily, and he hasn’t received a promotion in over three decades. At a salary of Rs35, 000 per month, and shifts that can stretch for over twelve hours, it’s a wonder that he and the other traffic policemen continue to show up for work every day. Traffic policemen are routinely harassed by traffic law violators. SI Ahmed explained how the people get mad at him even when they are in the wrong. All kinds of insults and lectures are thrown when the wardens are simply doing their duties. “We tell people to wear helmets, seatbelts, licenses, and they act like it's some kind of crime!” he exclaims. We asked about whether there are any health implication from doing such a strenuous job and explanation that was given soon made us realize that his job is a health hazard. When Ahmed had breathing problems, he was told by the doctor that the amount of dust he inhaled every day on duty was the same was the amount of dust that came off his uniform every day. Aside from falling sick from time to time, the roar of traffic also affects the hearing. We can also attest to the loudness as well. Although we were with the warden briefly, the noise of the traffic was a constant nuisance. There are no breaks either. Ahmed explain how those if there is a morning shift, you arrive at 7:30 and leave at 3:30 in the afternoon. The second shift stays till 11:30pm. If there is a rally, protest, traffic jam or a VIP movement – the nine-hour shift can stretch to 12, 16 or even 24 hours. No day is off, not even weekends. After an insightful conversation over lunch we bid SI Ahmed Faraz farewell and left for our homes with a heavy heart as we realized how that these unsung heroes sacrifice so much for our safety and in return get nothing. We should learn to respect the traffic wardens who are out each day to protect us and strictly adhere to the traffic rules put in place!