Bathinda traffic cops turn blind eye to snarls

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, June 20

Traffic police personnel deployed at key intersections in the city seem to be oblivious towards snarls on roads as most of them can be seen standing under the shade of a tree. Moreover, they can be seen either chit-chatting with colleagues or busy on their mobile phones.

Even traffic posts at several places, incluidng Hanuman Chowk and Shahid Nand Singh Chowk, are deserted. Due to their laxity in work, people are virtually having a free run in flouting norms.

The negligence in duty cannot be taken lightly as it may lead to traffic jams and accidents in the city.

During a random visit to the city on Thursday, The Tribune team also came across instances when pedestrians were almost hit by vehicles at signals because the traffic policemen deployed there were not performing their duties properly.

An owner of a juice shop at Teenkoni Chowk, who didn’t wish to be named, said: “Traffic policemen always seem lazy. They prefer to sit on chairs under a tree. People stop their vehicles at lights only when traffic personnel are active. Otherwise, they jump red lights. A few traffic cops become active only when the temperature comes down.”

The Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Rakesh Kumar, said: “I will look into the matter. An order will also be issued in this regard, so every traffic policeman performs his duties diligently. I will make sure that the message reaches the lowest level in the traffic wing of the department forthwith.”