Fear factor -live show

We live in a 7-storey building and our compound, consisting of 3 buildings, is undergoing renovation and painting. All these years, the favourite pastime of the women in the building would be to discuss the pathetic state of our buildings and how it can very soon become a heritage site. The building has not seen paint for more than 25 years and the pipes and sewage connections seem to be on the verge of breaking down any time.

So when the building renovation circular came to us (it comes every year) we laughed it off as usual. But this time , for real , they have started the process. I had to rub my eyes in disbelief and pinch myself to understand -it has actually started! Oh my! Do I regret that this work has started?

When huge poles were set up for the workers to climb the facade of the building, never in my wildest dreams, did I imagine that these workers would all be in their 20s - hanging on to poles and passing on ropes and planks and huge iron frames without any protection. None of them wear shoes or a helmet; there are no machines to help them in any way. Everything is done manually; that too when they are standing on thin wooden planks tied to the loose poles by ropes. Its like watching fear factor live everyday. I am unable to concentrate on my household work and have to run out each time I hear a loud thud praying that it isn't one of the workers who have fallen off.

I feel this can happen only in India. I even wonder whether these workers have any insurance or get compensation for any injury they may suffer. The fastest growing country in the world is yet to get decent machines to help construction workers. I have noticed automatic platforms which lift workers to any point at any floor on the facade of the building in Singapore. These platforms are covered with proper grills and the workers are well equipped with proper protection equipment.

I really wonder how I can help this section of labourers in India. Being a housewife, these are the times when I feel troubled that I don't have the access or clout to do something to make the scenario better. I wish I had entered politics and had the power to change things.