The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) has taken decisive action to tackle the traffic mismanagement issue surrounding Sharada Mandir School, Miramar. After conducting a hearing on January 3, the Commission issued a set of directives aimed at enhancing the safety of students during school drop-off and pick-up hours.
Expressing concerns over the chaotic traffic situation near the school, the SCPCR emphasized that the disorder not only poses risks to students’ safety but also sets a detrimental example of irresponsible behaviour for the young minds witnessing these instances.
The issued directives, following a joint hearing with stakeholders, include stringent measures to ensure a safer environment include:
– Superintendent of Police (Traffic) is to strictly implement a no-parking policy in the designated school lane at Sharada Mandir High School, Miramar, during school drop-off and pick-up hours (07:00-09:00 hrs and 12:00-14:00 hrs). This rule shall apply to all individuals, including residents and businesses, to prevent them and their patrons from parking in the dedicated lane during the specified times.
– The Commissioner for the Corporation of the City of Panaji is to implement the application of stencil markings on the school lane, clearly indicating “School Drop/Pick Up,” and installing appropriate signboards in the area, providing clarity on lane usage during specified times, as per the notification by District Magistrate, North Goa.
– The Corporation of the City of Panaji is to repaint the zebra crossings for enhanced visibility and guidance for pedestrians and drivers.
– The Traffic Department is instructed to place barricades along specific stretches to secure pathways and deter unauthorized parking.
– The District Disaster Management Authority should conduct a comprehensive safety assessment of the pedestrian overbridge near the school, focusing on structural integrity and safety measures. A detailed report, inclusive of findings and recommended actions, must be submitted to the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) within one month, to ensure the safety of students using the overbridge.
– Superintendent of Police (Traffic) and Corporation of the City of Panaji to implement the installation of a comprehensive CCTV camera network for the purpose of diligent monitoring and identification of parking violations. 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, as these actions contribute to traffic congestion and safety hazards.
-The Superintendent of Police (Traffic) should ensure the deployment of a sufficient number of police officers to regulate traffic in the vicinity of the school, with a particular focus on the school entrance and the neighbouring intersections, namely, Miramar Circle and Science Centre, on both sides of the school premises.
– Establishment of a volunteer program to facilitate safe student movement along footpaths upon vehicle disembarkation. The presence of these dedicated volunteers will not only enhance the overall safety
– Enforcement of a strict no-parking policy for school staff and service providers near the school premises.
– clear policy enforcement within the school premises, prohibiting vehicle parking in front of the school near footpaths.
The SCPCR emphasized the importance of complying with these directives within 45 days. Failure to adhere to these measures may result in legal actions under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. The directives aim to create a safer and disciplined environment for children, prioritizing their well-being and safety.
