Patiala, January 7:

Patiala Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav, while presiding over a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee, emphasized the urgent need to address ‘black spots’—accident-prone areas on roads—immediately to prevent the loss of valuable lives. She instructed the Transport Department, Traffic Police, and other road maintenance agencies to continuously identify and rectify these locations, which are prone to change over time. Any negligence in this regard, she warned, would not be tolerated.

Dr. Yadav urged all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to inspect roads in their jurisdictions, including urban and rural areas, and to ensure repairs at accident-prone spots. She stressed that the ultimate goal is to provide pedestrians with safe and accident-free roads, as road accidents lead to irreparable losses for families. She further stated that any accident resulting from departmental negligence would hold the respective agency accountable.

Highlighting the impact of fog during winter, Dr. Yadav directed the removal of unauthorized obstructions such as carts and encroachments along roadsides. She also instructed regular inspections of road conditions, the repair of potholes, installation of reflective strips, cat-eye reflectors, flags, and rear reflectors on cycles, carts, and trolleys. Furthermore, damaged signboards and overhanging branches of roadside trees should be addressed promptly to ensure clear visibility and safety.

Dr. Yadav emphasized implementing the Safe School Vehicle Policy to ensure secure transportation for students. She also instructed the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and Regional Transport Officer (RTO) to expedite compensation cases under the Hit and Run Motor Accident Scheme 2022.

She took note of recent media reports on road safety and issued necessary directives to the concerned departments.

The meeting was attended by ADC (General) Isha Singhal, Regional Transport Officer Naman Marwaha, ACA PDA Jashanpreet Kaur, SDMs, members of NGOs like Harsh Blood Donors Society, and officials from departments including Public Works, National Highways, Punjab Mandi Board, Municipal Corporation, Forests, and Education.