Kupwara: Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse,on Tuesday convened a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) to comprehensively review the implementation of road safety measures and traffic regulation across the district.
The Deputy Commissioner underscored that road safety is a matter of paramount importance, directly concerning the protection of human lives. He exhorted all stakeholders to take all necessary measures in ensuring safer roads in addition to cooperation from general public by adhering strictly to traffic rules and regulations. He directed the enforcement agencies to intensify on-ground regulation and adopt stringent measures against violators in order to minimize the occurrence of road accidents.
During the deliberations, discussions held regarding analysis of road accidents and subsequent the measures taken for avoiding future occurrence. The DC also directed strong action restricting underage and teenage driving. He emphasized the need for timely disbursement of compensation to injured persons and to the next of kin of deceased victims of road accidents.
Directions were also issued for strengthening emergency medical evacuation protocols, including adequate deployment of ambulances across accident-prone stretches to provide immediate medical assistance and readiness of health institutions.
Multi-dimensional committee was directed to conduct a comprehensive audit of school buses to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations, while the ARTO Kupwara was directed to carry out regular inspections of driving schools to verify adherence to prescribed norms and training standards. The Public Works Department, PMGSY and BEACON authorities were instructed to conduct road safety audit on regular basis particularly on hilly roads and highways. Progress made on identification of black spots and rectify corrective measures was also discussed.
In addition, ARTO and Traffic Police, in coordination with the Chief Education Officer, will conduct extensive road safety awareness campaigns in schools during upcoming academic sessions.
The Public Works Department was further directed to undertake curve improvements on major roads, particularly in hilly areas and to ensure timely patching and repair of both main and inner roads throughout the district to facilitate smooth movement of vehicles. BEACON authorities were asked to install appropriate signages on their roads especially at blind curves. He also directed Beacon authorities to ensure all safety norms during ongoing NH-701 works to avoid accidents.
The Traffic Department was instructed to intensify enforcement of traffic regulations in market areas to minimise traffic congestions.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kupwara, Gulzar Ahmad Khan; ADC Handwara, Javed Naseem Masoodi; Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kupwara; Chief Education Officer Kupwara; Executive Engineers of PWD; ARTO Kupwara, Dy SP DAR Handwara and officers from Traffic, Health, and other concerned departments.
