Ascertain causes of road mishaps, take corrective action: Rohtak DC tells officials

Deputy Commissioner Dharmendra Singh has directed officials of all departments involved in road construction to treat every road accident seriously by inspecting the accident site and ascertaining its causes so that effective preventive measures can be taken.

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Chairing the monthly meeting on road safety and the Surakshit School Vahan Policy here, the DC said the life of every individual was precious, and serious efforts must be made to minimise road accidents. He instructed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ensure that all lanes at every toll barrier in the district remained operational round the clock to avoid inconvenience to the public.

In a directive to the Project Director of NHAI, the DC asked for large signboards displaying lists of toll-free and concession-eligible villages and urban areas to be installed at all toll plazas in the district within a week, as per earlier instructions issued by the state government. He also asked officials to ensure availability of ambulances, cranes and other emergency services at toll barriers, along with fitness checks for commercial vehicles.

A third-party audit of all toll plazas was also instructed. The officials concerned were asked to ensure the repair of non-functioning streetlights on roads.

The DC also ordered the officials concerned to ensure that illegal road cuts made on national highways, especially by roadside eateries (dhabas), be identified and notices be issued to the violators. These cuts must be closed to help reduce road accidents, he said.

He ordered that sub-divisional level road safety meetings be held regularly, and instructed all the departments concerned fill potholes on roads by June 15. Officials were also directed to repair the road in front of Baba Mastnath University and to ensure that the under-construction bridge near the Bhalauth sub-branch at Delhi Bypass was completed by the end of June.

All departments were asked to submit compliance reports on the points discussed in the meeting.

While reviewing the Surakshit School Vahan Policy, the DC instructed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to conduct regular inspections of school vehicles to ensure compliance with safety norms.

He said vehicles not meeting the prescribed standards must be challaned.

Checks must also include verification of driver licenses and other necessary documents, he added.