Pledge to follow traffic rules this I-Day: CM

On the eve of Independence Day, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday launched the ‘Helmet Wearing Consequences’ campaign at Connaught Place, urging Delhi residents to view road safety as a “collective social duty”, and an important form of patriotism.

The CM — who was joined by Transport Minister Pankaj Singh and MP Bansuri Swaraj — said the campaign aimed not only to promote the use of helmets but also to make riders aware of the grave risks of neglecting these.

“Our life is not only our own — it also belongs to our family, society, and the nation. Every step should be taken with the awareness of its impact on society’s welfare,” she said.

Gupta called on citizens to take a pledge this Independence Day to follow traffic rules, maintain cleanliness, and carry out their duties sincerely.

“Accidents happen suddenly, but wearing a helmet and fastening its strap is in our control. In many countries, adherence to rules is seen as patriotism — we must adopt the same mindset here,” she added.

Transport Minister Pankaj Singh described helmets as “the greatest proof of responsibility towards your life, your family, and your loved ones”, and recalled surviving scooter crashes in college because he wore one. He appealed to young motorists to wear helmets properly, and encourage their peers to do the same.

In a related safety directive, the CM ordered all road-owning agencies to urgently identify and address unsafe trees following the recent fatality in Kalkaji, where a falling tree killed a motorist. She instructed the departments concerned to prune, remove, or transplant risky trees — especially in high-traffic areas — to prevent monsoon-related accidents.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that such incidents never happen again. Every citizen deserves to live in a safe environment, and we will take every necessary step to make that happen,” she said.