DC Reasi reviews road safety measures; directs comprehensive enforcement and safety audit

REASI: Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek today chaired a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee to review the status of road safety measures, enforcement mechanisms and related infrastructure across the district.

At the outset, the Superintending Engineer Public Works Department (R&B) gave a detailed briefing on initiatives undertaken to strengthen road safety infrastructure. It was informed that the District Road Safety Action Plan has already been formulated. “Accident-prone blackspots and blind curves have been identified and corrective measures including construction of parapets and installation of crash barriers have been initiated to minimise the road accidents and improve commuter safety,” he informed.

Taking serious note of roadside encroachments, the Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to submit division-wise Action Taken Reports on removal of encroachments from footpaths and roads across the district.

Emphasising pedestrian safety, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for identifying locations where zebra crossings are required, particularly near health institutions and educational establishments. The Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer and heads of colleges were directed to furnish identified locations for installation of zebra crossings. Regarding road safety audits, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the concerned departments to submit Action Taken Reports on the recommendations and corrective measures undertaken.

Highlighting the importance of awareness and preventive measures, he directed the Motor Vehicles Department to intensify IEC campaigns on road safety and submit a detailed report on activities conducted. The department was further asked to strengthen joint vehicle checking drives through nakka inspections and furnish details regarding action taken against violators and enforcement measures undertaken. The ARTO Reasi was directed to identify vulnerable road stretches and accident-prone locations across the district.

The ARTO was further asked to submit tehsil-wise reports on pending compensation claims with regard to deaths and injury cases in road mishaps. The Motor Vehicles Department was also directed to provide details of permits issued for newly connected roads.

Reviewing implementation of the Prevention of Ribbon Development Act, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the PWD and PMGSY authorities to initiate action against violators and submit Action Taken Reports.

The Municipal Committees were directed to take effective measures to address the issue of stray animals, identify vulnerable areas and submit reports on the actions taken, including management measures and enforcement details. He also instructed the Municipalities to ensure the immediate clearance and maintenance of footpaths across all towns.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrates were instructed to coordinate with the District Disaster Management Committee for establishment and strengthening of Quick Response Teams in their respective jurisdictions.

Reviewing implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Sadak Suraksha Scheme and PM Rahat initiative under the principle of “treat first, formalities later,” the Deputy Commissioner emphasised that no accident victim should be denied or delayed emergency medical care.

A detailed discussion was also held on establishment of a Trauma Centre in the district. The Health Department was directed to furnish the requirements and feasibility details for setting up the facility to strengthen emergency healthcare services and trauma response mechanisms in Reasi district.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Krishan Lal; Additional Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, Chief Planning Officer Narinder Kumar; Assistant Commissioner Revenue Nitin Verma; Chief Education Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Executive Engineer, PMGSY, Reasi/Mahore, Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Mahore/Reasi/Katra and other concerned officers.