Road safety measures reviewed

Baramulla, Dec 5: A meeting of District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) was convened today under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, to review the implementation of road safety measures and assess compliance with directives issued by the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety (SCCoRS).

During the meeting, ARTO Baramulla and DSP Traffic provided a detailed briefing to the DC about the action taken so far. They presented enforcement data for the period from January to November 2024.

As per the data, a total of 89,395 challans were issued, generating fines amounting to Rs 1,93,48,800. Furthermore, 1,361 vehicles were seized during this period. Specific to school buses, 198 challans were issued, with 12 buses seized and fines totaling Rs 80,500.

In addition to enforcement, the officers highlighted the efforts made to raise awareness about road safety. It was given out that 62 awareness programmes were conducted, and three eye-testing camps were also conducted to ensure driver health and safety.

The meeting also addressed critical safety concerns, including the identification of black spots at Delina, Palhallan, Pattan, and Khawjabagh. The DC directed the installation of mirrors, crash barriers, and proper road signage at these locations to enhance safety. Blind spots across the district were also identified for immediate corrective action.

To further strengthen road safety, the DC emphasised the need for test-driving facilities and regular health checkups for drivers. The Chief Education Officer was instructed to organize road safety awareness camps in schools and utilize screens to educate the students.

The DC stressed the importance of anti-encroachment drives along the National Highway and other critical routes. He directed all EOs and Tehsildars to ensure road clearance to prevent accidents.

Minga Sherpa also announced that a 4x4 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance under Dial 108 would soon be stationed in Uri to improve emergency medical response in remote areas.

In response to a proposal from SSP Baramulla, the DC directed Block Medical Officers (BMOs) to organize emergency training sessions for police personnel at all police stations. These sessions aim to enhance the preparedness of law enforcement for handling road accidents and emergencies.

The DC concluded the meeting by instructing the committee to submit a detailed report on the recent Bujthalan Uri accident. He urged all departments to work collaboratively to ensure timely implementation of the directives and make Baramulla’s roads safer for all.

The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Baramulla, Gurinderpal Singh; Superintending Engineer R&B, Sanjeev Gupta; Chief Education Officer Baramulla, OC, Beacon, ARTO Baramulla and officials from the Police, Health, Education, and PWD departments, along with other stakeholders.