Team Herald
PANJIM: Expressing concern over rising road accidents and its related fatalities, the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has directed law enforcement agencies to identify and analyze the causes for accidents and to undertake audits of State and village roads. The government also intends to revive Goa Police Traffic Sentinel Scheme, which was discontinued in 2020.
Sawant on Wednesday chaired a meeting with Heads of Departments and senior officers to review the work of implementation of road safety measures. The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport, DGP, IGP, District Collectors, Director Transport, Panchayat, Health, Municipal Administration, Education, and PWD Chief Engineer among others.
In a press statement issued post meeting, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said that the Chief Minister expressed his concern regarding several road accidents and resultant fatalities and directed strict action to bring accidents under control. In the 2022 calendar year, 251 people were killed due to road accidents.
“It was observed that the majority of accidents have occurred on village roads and Major District Roads (MDRs). The directions were issued to carry out analysis of the causes of accident and implement short-term and long-term measures on priority,” the statement reads. The direction were also issued undertake audit of State Highways, village roads, and MDR.
During the meeting, the CM was informed about manpower shortage with transport department for field enforcement and accordingly directions were issued to expedite recruitment process. “Sentinel Scheme will be reviewed,” CMO said.
The government has also decided to use electronic enforcement/CCTV surveillance camera feeds to issue challans to the violators of motor vehicle act. “Drunken driving shall be dealt with in a strict and intensive manner,” CMO said.
The meeting also discussed about imposing time restrictions on certain locations for movement of heavy vehicles and road rollers.
Principal Chief Engineer, PWD informed CM that 10 per cent of the estimated budget is assigned towards imposing road safety measures like erection of signboards, and barricades.
The Health Department discussed the need for trauma care / ICU at both the District Hospitals with Technical Staff and 4 Highway Ambulances to improve emergency response to save the lives of the accident victim. The department is directed to initiate a proposal for the same.
It was decided to engage Physical Education Teachers for Road Safety Training.
