The bus tragedy in Akhnoor, which claimed the lives of 22 pilgrims and left 69 others injured, has once again brought to light the urgent need for stringent safety measures on roads, particularly in hilly terrain. This calamity, involving an overloaded bus that plunged into a deep gorge, is not an isolated incident but part of a tragic pattern that demands immediate and comprehensive action from all stakeholders. The prompt reaction from local residents, police and the Army played a crucial role in mitigating the aftermath of the accident. Their swift mobilisation ensured that the injured were quickly transported to medical facilities, potentially saving many lives. Announcements of ex-gratia payments by the PM and LG reflect a compassionate response to the tragedy, providing some financial relief to the affected families. However, such measures, while necessary, are reactive. The priority must shift towards proactive strategies to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the first place.
Initial reports suggest that driver fatigue and overloading were significant factors contributing to the accident. The bus, designed to seat 57, was carrying 90 passengers, including children, at the time of the accident. Moreover, the driver had been driving throughout the night, causing driving fatigue. This highlights two critical issues: the enforcement of vehicle capacity limits and the regulation of driver working hours. Authorities must strictly enforce existing regulations on passenger limits. Regular inspections and severe penalties for violations could act as deterrents. Similarly, mandatory rest breaks and limiting the number of continuous driving hours can help prevent fatigue-related accidents.
Acting swiftly, the Transport Secretary has suspended six officials from the Lakhanpur check-post, the entry point to Jammu and Kashmir, for dereliction of duty. Two inquiries have been launched-one by the District Magistrate and another by the Secretary of Transport-to ascertain the cause of the accident and identify lapses by local authorities. The DIG Traffic confirmed that the ill-fated vehicle was issued a challan, but rather than ensuring a reduction in the number of passengers, the vehicle was allowed to continue its journey. It is troubling that a bus with a capacity of 57 passengers travelled unchecked from Rajasthan to Jammu and Kashmir with 90 passengers, passing through multiple states without intervention. This highlights the negligence of law enforcement authorities across different regions.
Each tragedy serves as a grim reminder of human errors and the absence of safety measures. Authorities must urgently devise a strategy to address these issues. With various check posts and available technologies, a mechanism must be established to monitor driver fatigue. A brief exercise, such as asking a few questions to passengers, could potentially save lives. Driving in hilly areas requires specific skills that plain-area drivers often lack. The Government of the UT should consider imposing conditions, such as requiring hillside driving experience for vehicles entering the UT. These stringent measures could significantly reduce future accidents. The absence of roadside railings, as seen in this accident, underscores the failure to implement repeated instructions from UT authorities. Despite interventions and directives from the High Court, progress has been insufficient. An immediate, time-bound audit of roads and prompt rectification of deficiencies are imperative. Historical data shows that missing roadside safety railings are a common factor in many accidents.
Additionally, since all the passengers are from Rajasthan, immediate steps should be taken to provide comprehensive support to the injured. With several critically injured, the utmost care is required. If additional medical resources are needed, authorities must address this promptly.
Enquiry reports are expected soon, which will help in fixing responsibility and accountability. Although there may be some inconvenience to passengers, their safety cannot be compromised. While regulatory measures and technological interventions are crucial, community involvement and Government commitment are equally important. The Government’s role extends beyond policy-making to ensuring effective implementation and monitoring. Local authorities must be equipped and motivated to enforce safety regulations consistently.
Devastating Forest Infernos
The relentless heat wave gripping the UT has precipitated a severe crisis, with rampant forest fires wreaking havoc across vast tracts of forest land, particularly in the Jammu Division. The situation demands urgent attention and decisive action from local and national agencies to mitigate the growing threat. The fires have not only devastated natural habitats but also imperilled the lives and livelihoods of locals. In districts such as Udhampur, Kathua, Rajouri, Reasi, and Anantnag, vast areas of forest have been reduced to ashes. The destruction of flora and fauna is immense, disrupting the delicate ecological balance and threatening the biodiversity that these regions harbour. Wildlife, including endangered species, faces existential threats as their habitats are decimated. Efforts by the Forest Department and local residents to combat the fires have been commendable but largely insufficient. The urgent call for the deployment of Indian Air Force helicopters to douse the flames underscores the severity of the situation.
The causes of these fires remain multifaceted. While soaring temperatures and dry conditions create a tinderbox scenario, human activities, both inadvertent and malicious, exacerbate the situation. Reports suggest that the accumulation of flammable pine needles and the burning of agricultural waste near forest areas are significant contributors. Additionally, a few fires may be deliberately set by miscreants. A coordinated strategy involving advanced technology, increased manpower, and community engagement must be put in place. Educating farmers on safe agricultural practices and the risks of burning waste near forests can mitigate some of the human-induced risks. Local communities, often the first responders, need better training and resources to effectively combat fires. In the long term, addressing climate change and promoting sustainable land management practices are essential to reducing the frequency and intensity of such natural disasters. The forest fires in J&K are a stark reminder of our vulnerability to climate change and the urgent need for concerted action to protect our natural heritage and communities. Immediate intervention, combined with sustained preventive measures, can help diffuse this crisis and safeguard the region’s ecological and economic well-being.
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