MARGAO: Taking suo moto cognizance of the issue of traffic mismanagement in the vicinity of Sharada Mandir School, Miramar, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) conducted a hearing recently, following which the Commission has issued a set of directives to the authorities concerned, including the North Goa Collector, to address this issue.
The first directive was for the enforcement of provisions in the notifications issued by the North Goa District Magistrate. The Superintendent of Police (SP) Traffic has been directed to strictly implement a no-parking policy in the designated school lane at SMSM), during school drop-off and pick-up hours.
The Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) has been directed to implement the application of stencil markings on the school lane, clearly indicating “School Drop/Pick Up,” and install appropriate signboards.
Additionally, CCP has been asked to initiate the repainting of zebra crossing markings. The Traffic Department has been instructed to execute the placement of barricades along the affected stretch in order to establish a secured pathway for students and deter unauthorized parking in the area.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has been asked to conduct a comprehensive safety assessment of the pedestrian overbridge near the school.
, focusing on structural integrity and safety measures. Pointing out that the deteriorating condition of the overbridge, including rust, missing planks, and damage, poses potential risks to students, DDMA was asked to submit a detailed report, inclusive of findings and recommended actions, to the GSCPCR within one month.
The Traffic SSP and CCP have also been asked to install a comprehensive CCTV camera network for the purpose of diligent monitoring and identification of parking violations; and to also enforce fines in strict accordance with the evidence provided by these surveillance systems, with a particular focus on penalizing those who park on zebra crossings or misuse road dividers.
