Meeting held in the backdrop of death of 5 students of NC College; DTO to step up enforcement

Dec. 5: An emergent meeting was held at the conference hall of Deputy Commissioner’s Office here in Silchar on Friday in connection with Katigorah road accident where five students of NC College, Badarpur died. Deputy Commissioner, Keerthi Jalli presided over the meeting attended by the representatives of all political parties and students of NC College, Badarpur.

Representatives of various political parties and that of the students’ union spoke regarding the various problems faced by the people and highlighted the issues which needs to be resolved by the District Administration. They also submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner enlisting their demands.

After listening to all grievances, MLA, Borkhola, Kishor Nath said that special care should be taken while riding or driving vehicles on the roads. He appealed to the parents to advice their children to be more careful while driving on the roads. He also mentioned about the measures to be taken to control over loaded dumpers, trucks and heavy vehicles. He stressed on initiating steps for eviction of illegal occupation of footpaths. He said that
due to COVID-19, the repairing of road between Silchar-Kalain is delayed and disclosed that Rs.22 crore has been sanctioned for the repair and improvement of the road.

In his speech, MLA, Silchar, Dilip Kumar Paul condoled the death of five students due to the mishap which happened on Wednesday. He requested the district administration to take necessary steps in this regard and also to institute an inquiry into the accident. He urged every citizen to follow the rule of the road to avoid or minimise the risks of accident. He mentioned that helpers often drive dumper trucks which should be strictly looked into. MLA, Udharbond, Mihir Kanti Shome said proper checking of valid license should be conducted by the enforcement department. He urged the youths to be more cautious during driving or crossing the roads.

While delivering his speech, MLA, Katigorah, Amar Chand Jain said that proper inquiry must be conducted into the road mishap. He suggested enforcement of ‘no entry system’ during school hours. He mentioned that dumpers and trucks move fast through Katigorah and this is the major cause of road accident. “Road awareness campaign should be conducted by MVI and also proper steps should be taken for checking of licences by the concerned department,” he added. DTO, Angshuman Biswas said that as the department has less manpower, steps will be taken with the help of police. He said online license is being provided to the applicants.

Deputy Commissioner, Jalli mourned the death of five students in the road accident and directed the DTO to step up enforcement and also asked the Executive Engineer, PWD to erect road signals, rumble strips, road marking, cutting of jungles adjacent to the roads and installation of reflectors in accident prone areas. She stressed upon the improvement of road condition. The Deputy Commissioner revealed that proposal has been sent to the government for sanction of ex-gratia. She also advocated wearing helmet during riding and instructed that workshops for drivers should be conducted by the DTO. Jalli urged everyone not to politicise accident related issues.

Jalli also stressed on the need of a bypass at Katigorah and introduction of no entry system specially during school hours. She urged everyone not to obstruct the police from carrying out their duties. “Solution will come through only mutual discussion,” she said. The Deputy Commissioner stressed on decongesting the roads by shifting the markets.

Police Super, Bhanwar Lal Meena said as per law, steps will be taken and he also urged everyone not to block road after any accident takes place and that the public should inform the police immediately. He also appealed to to make arrangements to send the injured persons to the hospital immediately in case any accident takes place. DIG, southern range, Dilip Kumar Dey said, “Road accidents occur due to various reasons as has been analysed in the past as well as the recent ones. We are working on the modalities of the Road Safety Measures which include drive against offences under the MV Act, awareness campaigns, road traffic modulations on the National Highways, Implementation of Standard Traffic Regulations during peak hours including, No entry timings, putting up of road signals by the concerned departments and the probabilities of diversions of roads.”

Public safety and ensuring security are our topmost priorities, and we are committed to ensure them in the interest of public service. With active participation from the public, the government agencies entrusted with the tasks will definitely be able to make the roads safe for the public. I appeal to all sections of people to maintain peace and tranquility and remain vigilant all the time against mischief mongers,” added the DIG.  The meeting was also attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Rajib Roy and the district heads of all the departments.