Tezu, Feb 13: A meeting of the district road safety committee was held on Thursday at Tezu in Lohit district, under the chairmanship of deputy commissioner Kesang Ngurup Damo, to review and discuss measures to enhance road safety across the district.
In his address, Damo underscored the importance of traffic awareness among the public as a key factor in reducing road accidents.
He presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation on efficient traffic management, highlighting the challenges faced, potential solutions, and supporting these with relevant data and examples.
Stressing the need for proper coordination among all stakeholders, he urged the committee to ensure that the meeting’s resolutions are effectively implemented to safeguard public welfare.
Lohit superintendent of police Thutan Jamba shared data on recent road accidents in the district, which showed a decline in fatalities over the years. He attributed this improvement to strict enforcement of traffic rules and the success of public awareness campaigns.
However, he called for better collaboration between road agencies and the police department, pointing out that the police have valuable insights into accident-prone areas that should inform the placement of road accessories.
The PWD executive engineer presented the action-taken report from the previous committee meeting. After assessing the progress of earlier safety measures, the DC provided further suggestions for improvement.
Discussions during the meeting also highlighted the need for addressing inaccurate road signage, which will be reviewed and corrected to provide precise directions.
To improve pedestrian safety, the committee decided to conduct frequent loudspeaker announcements to warn the public about the risks of walking or jogging along the National Highway.
Regular clearance of vegetation along highways will also continue to enhance visibility for drivers and pedestrians alike. Additionally, measures will be taken to improve vehicle safety, including the mandatory use of retro-reflective materials on tractors lacking proper rear lighting and inspections of older trucks with faulty lights to ensure compliance with safety standards.
The committee emphasised that encroachments along the Right of Way of roads should be reported to the district administration without delay. Strategic placement of speed breakers, traffic signal lights, and blinkers will be prioritized in consultation with the police department to enhance safety at critical locations.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all road users in the district.
