Chandigarh, April 27:The first meeting of the District Road Safety Council was convened under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Manish Tewari, with a focused agenda on strengthening road safety measures and reducing accident-related fatalities in the district.

Deputy Commissioner Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav welcomed the Hon’ble MP and all Council members, emphasizing the need for a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach involving the Administration, Traffic Police, Engineering Departments, Health Services, and civil society to effectively address road safety challenges.

A comprehensive presentation was delivered by the Traffic Police, outlining the current road safety scenario, recent accident trends, enforcement measures, and critical gaps requiring immediate attention. Special emphasis was placed on the identification of accident-prone “black spots.”

Expressing serious concern over these high-risk locations, the Hon’ble MP directed the concerned departments to undertake time-bound and result-oriented interventions, including improved signage, road engineering corrections, better illumination, and stricter enforcement.

While reviewing infrastructure development, the Hon’ble MP sought details regarding the status of the proposed flyover project. Stressing its importance in easing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety, he directed that the project be executed within stipulated timelines, with regular monitoring to prevent delays.

The Hon’ble MP also highlighted the importance of the critical “Golden Hour” following road accidents, noting that timely medical intervention during this period can significantly reduce fatalities. He called for strengthening emergency response systems, improving ambulance availability, ensuring better coordination between Police and Health Departments, and upgrading hospital preparedness for trauma care.

Emphasizing public awareness, the Hon’ble MP underscored the urgent need for an extensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to promote responsible road behavior. He particularly stressed the need to widely disseminate awareness regarding the protection available to Good Samaritans, assuring that individuals who assist accident victims and take them to hospitals will not face harassment from police or hospital authorities. He directed that this message be propagated through print, electronic, and social media platforms, along with community outreach programmes.

The meeting witnessed active participation from all stakeholders, with several constructive suggestions put forward to strengthen enforcement, infrastructure, and public awareness. It concluded with a collective resolve to implement the discussed measures in a mission mode, ensuring safer roads and a significant reduction in accidents and fatalities across the district.