Delhi Police And GMR Launched A De-Addiction Programme For Taxi Drivers Operating At Delhi Airport
The Indira Gandhi International airport at Delhi is one of the busiest airports in the world and it handles nearly one lakh passengers every day. The first point of contact for both Indian as well as foreign passengers arriving at the airport is the taxi driver, who then provides services for last mile connectivity.
Owing to the nature of the profession, taxi drivers work for long hours and lead stressful lives. Many of them turn to alcohol and watch pornography in an attempt to cope with work-related stress as well as bond with their peers. This has serious implications for their health and well-being, as well as the safety and security of passengers. Cases of drunk driving and assault on women are some of the adverse consequences of developing an addiction to alcohol and pornography.
In an attempt to tackle this issue, Special Commissioner of Police for Airport and Women's Safety, Sanjay Baniwal, formally launched an Awareness Programme for “Women's Safety and Prevention of Drunk Driving” for taxi drivers stationed at IGI airport. This project was launched in partnership with GMR and it will be implemented by an NGO working in the area of drug and alcohol de-addiction and rehabilitation since 1986.
Special Commissioner of Police, Sanjay Baniwal expressed his sincere hope that all taxi drivers would participate in the awareness programme and benefit from the same. He assured his support for all drivers who would want to seek treatment for addiction and encouraged all drivers to move from a destructive addiction to alcohol to a positive and constructive dedication to the family, community and the nation.
There are some positive instances. Rashid, a cabbie, was a regular drinker who was introduced to alcohol by his fellow taxi drivers at the airport. His predisposition to violence under the influence of alcohol led to strained relationships with family members, and he had even injured his wife seriously after an argument.
He decided to approach for treatment after attending an awareness programme for taxi drivers conducted at IGI airport. After a few initial tests, he was admitted for in-house treatment for three months. He also attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and kept in touch with his counsellor for an excess of emotions that he experienced. For the past 4 months, he has been away from alcohol and is handling his relationships responsibly with the help of counsellors.
Ravi, 33, started consuming alcohol from a young age, having seen his father share the same bottle with his uncle. Living in a slum area where country liquor was easily available, he soon developed the dependence on alcohol. Fights and brawls with passengers and fellow drivers became a regular feature of his daily life. He would ask for extra tips to fuel his craving for alcohol and would often come into conflict with police for over speeding.
His fellow taxi drivers encouraged him to attend an awareness session. Though he was initially reluctant to admit his problem, he gradually opened up to the counsellor; and, is finally on the road to recovery.
DCP Airport Sanjay Bhatia told BW Police World that in its initial course, the project will run for one year and its impact will be closely monitored. Based on the inputs received, the project will be replicated in airports across India managed by GMR.
