The elderly will now have help at hand, literally, if they are faced with some threat. In a unique initiative, Delhi Police has been installing customised ‘alarm bells’ in the houses of neighbours of senior citizens. The sleek switch of the bell will be with the seniors who can press it and alert their neighbours when in distress.
The pilot project has been started from west Delhi and is likely to be replicated in other districts. On Thursday, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 200 senior citizens in Kirti Nagar were presented with the bell. “This device can be of instant help in cases of domestic violence, physical assault or medical emergency. The elderly can alert their neighbours to come to their rescue,” said DCP (west) Vijay Kumar.”I have been living with my wife without any problems since the last 20 years, but insecurities rise as we age. This initiative makes us feel secure as we can reach out to our neighbours in emergency,” said 61-year-old Renu Marwah. Her husband, Vyas Marwah, said they will buy a similar device and gift it to their friends.
Others said this device will not let them feel that they are alone. “The beat constable comes to visit us periodically. He is just a call away. Our neighbours are also considerate and have helped us out whenever we needed them. This bell will be a great help in alerting them,” said Dharamveer Khullar (77). His wife, Usha (74), concurred with him.
