DC Budgam chairs Road Safety Committee meeting

BUDGAM : Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat , today chaired a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee at the Conference Hall Budgam to review the status of road safety measures and enforcement of traffic regulations across the district.
The meeting focused on strengthening coordinated efforts to minimise road accidents and ensure safer travel for the public.
During the meeting, the DC emphasised the urgent need for strict and effective implementation of all road safety regulations in letter and spirit. He called upon all concerned departments to reinforce road safety mechanisms, identify and rectify accident-prone black spots, improve road infrastructure, and intensify enforcement of traffic rules to reduce violations and enhance overall road discipline.
The DC reviewed the district’s road safety framework in line with the directions of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety (SCCoRS) and the provisions of the J&K Road Safety Council Act, 2018. He highlighted that the district is aligned with the national vision to achieve a 50 percent reduction in road accidents and fatalities by 2030, and stressed the need to focus on the 4 Es of Road Safety that are Engineering, Enforcement, Education and Emergency Care.
On the engineering front, the DC directed departments to prioritise black spot identification and rectification, improve road geometry, install adequate signage, road markings, crash barriers, rumble strips, pedestrian crossings, footpaths and traffic calming measures to address local risk factors and improve road user safety.
On enforcement, he called for strengthened monitoring and strict action against over-speeding, drunk driving, non-use of helmets and seatbelts, overloading and violations of lane discipline.
He stressed close coordination among Traffic Police, Transport Department and other enforcement agencies to ensure consistent compliance.
Emphasizing education and awareness, the DC directed that road safety awareness programmes be organised in schools, colleges and other institutions, and that print, electronic and social media be effectively utilised to promote safe and responsible road usage, especially among youth, elderly and specially-abled persons.
While discussing traffic and safety measures concerning the ongoing Ring Road construction, the DC issued firm directions to ensure complete compliance. He instructed that all entry and exit points leading to the under-construction Ring Road shall remain closed for public movement and commercial vehicular traffic, permitting only vehicles directly associated with construction activity.
The DC further directed that the list of entry points which are open or closed for public movement be published for the general public to ensure clarity and avoid inconvenience.
The DC also called for close coordination between NHAI, Ring Road authorities, Traffic Police and the Transport Department so that no unauthorised public or commercial movement takes place on the under-construction project. He additionally directed that 100 percent CCTV installation shall be ensured at all entry and exit points of the project to curb violations and strengthen monitoring.
Reviewing emergency response and trauma care preparedness, the DC directed for optimal placement of ambulances to reduce response and handover time, adequate availability of different types of ambulances based on historical caseloads, and preparation of an Emergency Medical Plan for mass casualty incidents. He also stressed strengthening trauma care centres and first responder training for police and volunteers.
The DC reviewed the functioning of the e-DAR (Electronic Detailed Accident Report) system, directing departments to ensure systematic accident reporting, forensic crash investigation for all mass fatality crashes, and regular publication of district-wise accident data on the district website and the MoRTH portal.
He further instructed for development of a District Road Safety Plan and establishment of a Road Safety Management Information System, with enhanced use of GIS and GPS-enabled systems where applicable.
The DC said that the district administration is committed to enhancing road safety standards and fostering a secure travel environment for the people of Budgam, and called for sustained coordination among all stakeholder departments to achieve tangible reduction in road accidents and fatalities.
The meeting was attended by CPO budgam, Executive Engineers of R&B and Irrigation, ARTO Budgam, Executive Officers of all Municipal Committees, DySP HQ Budgam, besides representatives of other concerned departments.