City takes precautions to take shelter from strengthening Monsoon in city

 We change our lifestyle by seasons and climates in which we are living, in order to adopt with the conditions and problems of that climate. Strengthening monsoon had increased our need to protect ourselves from different problems arising in this time. For unprepared, rains can cost even life. Thus urban dwellers as well as villagers near to our city are taking precautions to overcome hurdles and problems during monsoon.

Panvel markets are now flooded with umbrellas, rain coats, waterproof materials, plastic bags of different size and other materials to protect ourselves and our belongings during monsoon. As almost all schools started working or expected to start, parents are busy in buying umbrellas, raincoats and different materials for their children. School children as well as their parents prefer raincoats over umbrellas, as raincoats can cover the whole body, even their bag and other belongings. Demand for waterproof bags and water resistant footwear are also increased in the city.

But middle class people still choose umbrellas made in China available in cheap markets of Panvel. Shop owners in Panvel say they got more customers for cheap china made umbrellas which costs from 70-150. Though these umbrellas are of low quality, it is enough to protect people from rains in this season. Shopkeepers say most of these China made monsoon products are supplied to Panvel from Crawford market of Mumbai. High quality umbrellas are also available from 350-500 rupees, but are not preferred by many. Shops got customers for those long umbrellas in various fashions and designs.

People in our city are also searching for plastic covers or pouches that can protect belongings like mobile, camera and laptop and to keep umbrella, raincoats and bags. Lot of such small waterproof pouches and bags are sold in many areas of the city. These small pouches and bags are manufactured in many small scale industries and units, by giving employment opportunities for many. Many are seen in selling such small but useful materials in populated areas like bus stand, important junctions, railway stations and even inside trains.

Fruits and vegetable vendors in Panvel are using different methods and materials to protect their fruits from rains. Some used to cover fruits with plastic covers and finding shelters in different parts of the city. People are also finding coverings for their vehicles especially, motor bikes to protect them from heavy rains. Plastic covers of different sizes are easily available in different parts of the city and are finding good response during the monsoon. Bikers also use steady plastic sheet to protect themselves splashing mud and water from front wheel.

Neeraj Kumar, a shopkeeper in Panvel said “I completely filled my shops with exclusively monsoon items. Umbrellas of different quality and designs are available. Raincoats for different ages and other products to protect ourselves during monsoon are available. All sizes of simple plastic bags to keep mobile, laptops, tablets, umbrellas and even bags are available. Such products are easily available in different markets of Mumbai or other markets of state.”