Bhiwandi: Amid heavy rain and widespread flooding in Bhiwandi, a local resident, Shadab Momin, earned praise after stepping into knee-deep floodwater to help stranded commuters, taking on the role of a real-life “Spider-Man” as civic infrastructure struggled to cope with the downpour.
Steps in as roads become waterlogged
With several roads submerged following heavy rainfall, motorists and pedestrians faced severe difficulties navigating flood-hit stretches. Hidden potholes beneath murky water further increased the risk of accidents, leaving many vehicles stranded.
In the absence of visible emergency response personnel at the location, Shadab Momin voluntarily stepped in to assist commuters.
For several hours, he guided motorists through flooded roads, helped push stalled two-wheelers and cars to safety, regulated traffic movement and assisted pedestrians in crossing waterlogged areas.
Social media applauds selfless effort
Videos and photographs of Shadab’s actions quickly circulated on social media, where many users hailed him as a real-life “Spider-Man” for his willingness to help strangers during the challenging weather conditions.
His efforts were widely appreciated as an example of community spirit and public service during a crisis, with many praising his dedication despite the difficult conditions.
Incident highlights civic concerns
While Shadab’s actions received widespread admiration, the incident also drew attention to recurring civic issues in Bhiwandi.
Residents questioned the condition of roads that become heavily waterlogged during every spell of rain and highlighted the dangers posed by potholes concealed beneath floodwaters.
The absence of visible civic emergency personnel during the incident also prompted criticism, with many calling for better preparedness and quicker response during monsoon-related emergencies.
Calls for long-term solutions
The episode has renewed demands for improved stormwater drainage systems, timely road maintenance and effective pothole repairs to reduce disruptions during the monsoon season.
Residents said that while individual acts of bravery and public service deserve recognition, lasting solutions require stronger civic planning and better infrastructure to prevent such situations from recurring.
Conclusion
Shadab Momin’s efforts turned him into a local hero, demonstrating how individual initiative can make a difference during emergencies. At the same time, the incident has reignited debate over Bhiwandi’s recurring monsoon challenges, with residents urging authorities to address poor drainage and deteriorating road conditions before future spells of heavy rain.