IGP Rath makes city follow traffic rules
Amir Karim Tantray
Tribune News Service
Jammu, February 23
With the city’s new Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Basant Rath booking violators without bowing to any pressure, residents have started following traffic rules.
Use of helmets by two-wheeler riders, seat belts in four-wheelers and other traffic rules are being strictly obeyed by city residents.
Rath has been going to every nook and corner of the city and challaning the violators without caring for any political or public pressure. He has also been spreading awareness through his Twitter and Facebook accounts about the traffic rules and regulations.
Mediapersons and residents follow him wherever he goes. They make videos, click pictures and post them on social networking sites.
The new IGP (Traffic) had sought 90 days to streamline the traffic system. However, within a week of his appointment, change is visible in the winter capital.
Although strict about traffic rules, his kind-hearted nature is visible to all during his interaction with his colleagues, city residents and children. During his visits, Rath hugs his fellow traffic policeman irrespective of their rank and at many places he spoke to children and suggested them to work hard.
Since he took over his new assignment, many police officers, including his seniors, have praised Rath’s efforts to streamline the traffic.
“Cyclones often hit Orissa. J&K has been hit by an Oriya cyclone called Basant Rath. Cyclones uproot trees, Basant is planting the seeds of traffic management and discipline and fear of law. I have handled traffic as SSP and DIG but could not bring a revolution. Doff my hat to Basant Rath. Kudos,” IGP Danesh Rana wrote on his Facebook page.
Many people have started sending pictures of traffic violators, including policemen, overloading, etc., to the IPS officer. In a video message, a girl while praising Rath said in the name of overhauling the system, politicians and bureaucrats have always cheated the people and never put their efforts to bring a change. “Rath has shown the way which we have only seen in Bollywood movies,” she added.
Freedom fighters praise cop
Jammu and Kashmir Freedom Fighters’ Association (JKFFA) has appreciated the efforts being made by the IGP to streamline traffic in the city. “His efforts and hard work have forced other government officials to introspect,” JKFFA members said, adding that Rath was setting an example for officers to follow.
