Ayaan Saroori
Kishtwar,the largest district of Chenab valley witnesses huge vehicular movement across its district headquarters as well as rural areas.It holds a significant position,as district connects in two directions—towards Kashmir and Jammu.At the same time , execution of effective traffic laws and rules has become necessary to ensure smooth movement and safety.
Road connectivity and effective maintenance of traffic law and rules is necessary.In this episode we will take a look at the traffic system of district Kishtwar and the reform undergone under the chair of concerned departments and officials.Moreover,a new sense of public awareness arises in the conscious of general public to obey traffic rules.
The obeying of traffic rules while plying a vehicle shows an effective execution of law,where people ride with helmet,wear seatbelts and follow other rules.But several people violate these rules and overrule the jurisdiction of law to describe themselves mighty and leaving a bad impression on youngster drivers as well as other people who own vehicles.The whole nexus of violation starts with this and it grows into a culture to disobey the rules.
According to official data,“More than 1100 driving Licenses have been issued since January of this year”showing an increased trend in the public awareness of traffic regulations.
Kishtwar falls under the jurisdiction of the Motor vehicle department with the governing authority of Assistant regional transport officer (ARTO) who monitors the traffic system of the whole city.The scenario of district was worst as few people were aware of rules and several were among the defaulters.While,the recent scenario is changed and a new transition of awareness inculcated within the conscious of general public.The whole transition is a result of friendly interaction of concerned authorities with general people,awareness drives and challans against rash and neglected drivings.In addiction ,several violators were challenged on the ground of videography while they were violating the law by not wearing helmets or stunting on the roads.
“More than 1,800 vehicles were e-challaned for different traffic violations,170 vehicles were seized,50 driving licenses suspended and 28 route permits were cancelled.”said Tasleem Wani,ARTO Kishtwar.
However,several progress was recorded from the beginning of this year such as more challenging to violators to overcome the violation,increase in slot booking for driving license trials and conduct of awareness programs and official meetings at district level to monitor throughout the scenario.
“We have increased slots for driving license trails from 80 to 15 to accommodate more public.However,for the first time we started uploading the trial results on-line with issuance of driving licenses on the same day of trial.”he added
Ground reality and public response.
The district headquarters is stepping in an upgraded phase of traffic management and people are self aware of traffic rules.It is a result of mutual effort of Motor vehicle department(MVD) and general public—wether riders or drivers.
“The traffic system of district Kishtwar is improved.People are now wearing helmet and there has been decrease in underage driving in the district.However,there are more efforts required to ensure the proper implementation of traffic rules,” Mr.Areeb,a local resident told the Kashmir Times during a discussion.
Moreover,the commercial sphere of the district has been improved with proper services of Road and Transport Corporation (RTC) for travellers.While the route vehicle owners, which commute to Jammu and Srinagar from Kishtwar mentions the improvements in traffic management with less violations of law and proper management of traffic rush in the district.
“The violations,generally those associated with commercial vehicles, have now decreased.Furthermore,the traffic management of district and national highways—by combined efforts of traffic police and Motor vehicles department —is commendable,”Mr.Bilal,a commercial vehicle driver, told the Kashmir Observer.
Moreover,the mobilisation by the department to implement the laws at grassroots level—whether commercial or private vehicle drivers , two wheeler riders and passengers—to develop an essence of obeying traffic rules and inculcating a sense of mutual responsibility.The department is ensuring distribution of ex-gratia relief to accident victims,organised awareness programmes across the district including a blood donation camp and several medical checkup camps for drivers.In the meantime, several pending issues remain that could further boost traffic management in the district to facilitate uninterrupted services.These small efforts with mutual support fuel development.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
