REASI: Deputy Commissioner Reasi Nidhi Malik today chaired a crucial meeting of the District Road Safety Committee aimed at strengthening road safety measures across the district.
At the outset, the Superintendent Engineer PWD presented a detailed Road Safety Action Plan.
The Deputy Commissioner conducted a comprehensive division-wise review of the implementation of the plan alongside the concerned XENs. Key components such as the installation of crash barriers, road signage, identification of critical accident-prone locations, and the construction of parapets were extensively discussed.
DC Malik emphasized the need to address road encroachments on a priority basis. She directed the XENs to carry out thorough surveys and certify that roads and footpaths are free from any encroachments.
Special attention was given to pedestrian safety near educational institutions.
The DC directed officials to prioritize the installation of zebra crossings outside schools and colleges. Further, the SE PWD was instructed to compile a comprehensive report on previous Road Safety Plans, detailing the targets achieved and pending work, supplemented with geo-tagged photographs for effective monitoring.
To strengthen accident analysis, DC Malik emphasized the formation of a multi-stakeholder team comprising engineering and police personnel. The team will be tasked with preparing an analytical report identifying accident causes and proposing actionable solutions. All XENs were instructed to conduct safety audits of roads under their jurisdiction, especially those previously left out and submit findings after thorough site inspections.
In addition, the DC directed SDMs to establish tehsil-wise Quick Response Teams trained as first responders in the event of accidents.
The functioning and preparedness of the three SDRF teams present in the district were also reviewed, with instructions issued for them to maintain full readiness for emergency response.
The DC also advised CEO and principals of colleges to regularly organize road safety awareness camps for students. A review of first aid training, issuance of challans, and driving license suspension measures was conducted. The ARTO was instructed to carry out sustained drives against traffic violations.
Finally, DC Malik directed that an agenda-wise Action Taken Report, along with photographic documentation, be submitted to the DC office for review and follow-up.
The meeting was attended by SSP Reasi Paramvir Singh, ADDC Sukhdev Samyal, ADC Rakesh Kumar, SDMs, ACR Reasi, SE PWD, XENs, CEO MC, ARTO, and other senior officials. The session concluded with a collective resolve to enhance road safety infrastructure and awareness across the district.