Guwahati, 19 December (IANS): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed district administrators to ensure road safety measures are in place to reduce accidents by at least 20 percent in the coming year.
On Monday, he reviewed measures taken to enhance road safety and the status of the state government’s flagship program Orunodoi.
The Chief Minister held a video conference with the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent and other senior officials in Guwati.
Stressing the importance of strict road safety measures to reduce the number of fatalities, Sarma directed DC and SP to take strong action to enforce road safety protocols. He asked them to take action against stunt bikes, speeding and drink-driving, and to step up patrols on state highways and key roads across the state.
The Chief Minister has called for an “accident-free new year”, instructing regions to set targets to reduce accidents by at least 20 per cent in the coming year.
He also directed strict vigilance at picnic sites to ensure no one indulged in drink driving and speeding.
Sarma has asked the district council to launch a campaign through revenue officials to crack down on illegal alcohol sales at picnic spots.
The Chief Minister emphasized the detailed analysis of road accidents to determine the cause of corrective actions and the implementation of safety measures.
He directed the Deputy Commissioner to carry out regular reviews of road accidents and identify where accidents frequently occur. He said the District Road Safety Committee had to go to all these locations to get a first-hand look at the situation.
The Chief Minister has directed the Ministry of Transport to prepare an analysis of all accidents that occur annually, while directing District Councils to prioritize maintenance and other road-related matters with the State PWD and NHIDCL.
In addition, Sarma also discussed with government officials on Monday issues related to the selection guidelines for beneficiaries under the Orunodoi scheme.
He directed regional councils to take action to achieve the set target by April 10 and ensure the norm of “one household, one beneficiary” through the ongoing selection process.
The Chief Minister further said that this is a priority area of the government and all districts must step up paddy procurement. He also discussed the implementation of the Amrit Sarovar project which will create 2,985 ponds in Assam.
