HT Bureau
DIPHU, Dec 10: In line with the directives of the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, a hybrid meeting was convened to address road safety concerns during the foggy season and the approaching picnic period.
Deputy commissioners(DCs), superintendents of police (SPs), and district transport officers (DTOs) attended the meeting, which was held in the presence of the director general of police (DGP) Assam, GP Singh said a DIPR press release.
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The meeting emphasised the need for a concerted effort to prevent road accidents through a 45-day mission-mode initiative scheduled from December 15, 2024, to January 31, 2025. DGP GP Singh underscored the irreplaceable value of human lives and directed all relevant departments, including Transport, Excise, SDMA, PWD (NH), Police Administration, Health, and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), to collaborate closely in implementing safety measures.
Key focus areas discussed included the formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) tailored for foggy conditions and the picnic season. Provisions were made for portable hazard blinkers at accident-prone zones, retro-reflective tapes on poles and tree trunks, and reflective hazard triangles for vehicles parked in low-visibility areas. To ensure real-time awareness, a WhatsApp channel for weather updates will be operationalised.
Additionally, the safety of picnic-goers was emphasised, with instructions to identify picnic spots and transit points. Authorities were tasked with improving road conditions at vulnerable locations, installing clear signage at construction and lane change areas, and conducting raids to curb the sale of illegal liquor. Strict measures will prohibit alcohol consumption by drivers transporting picnickers, with breath analyzer checkpoints set up at strategic locations. Emergency medical services, including ambulances and medical teams, will also be deployed for immediate response.
The state government has urged all stakeholders to prioritize accident prevention and ensure seamless implementation of these directives to safeguard public safety during this critical period.
