Action plan for snow clearance, commuter safety finalized
Doda: The 4th District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) meeting was chaired Saturday by the Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh to review road safety measures, winter preparedness and ongoing infrastructure works across the district.
The DC directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to ensure regular maintenance and uninterrupted road connectivity during snowfall, with special focus on the Paddri road and other snow-prone stretches. Emphasis was laid on maintaining smooth traffic flow during adverse weather conditions amid the ongoing winter season.
The DC instructed the General Manager, NHIDCL, to ensure immediate removal and proper disposal of dumped construction material from roadsides to enhance commuter safety and prevent accidents.
Directions were also issued for installing crash barriers at vulnerable locations, improving road geometry, ensuring proper gradients at critical points such as Raggi Nallah and Khellani Nallah and undertaking works to mitigate landslide risks in sensitive areas.
The installation of reflective studs, traffic signboards and safety signage on all major and accident-prone roads was also stressed.
The DC further directed the XENs of PWD (R&B) to ensure proper drainage systems along roads to prevent water-logging and road damage especially during winter.
Maintenance of link roads across the district was reviewed and instructions were issued to prioritize winter preparedness.
The removal of large boulders from vulnerable locations was assessed, with directions to coordinate with the Fire and Emergency Services and ensure the availability of hydra vehicles during critical situations.
Passenger amenities along roadsides were also reviewed, with instructions to improve hygiene and toilet facilities.
Issues related to traffic regulation were discussed in detail. The DC directed the Traffic Police, ARTO and concerned officers to take strict action against unauthorized parking, rash and drunken driving and illegal dumping of material on roads, including registration of FIRs where required.
Night-time disposal of construction material was advised to avoid disruption to daytime traffic. The movement and regulation of electric auto-rickshaws were reviewed, with directions to fix proper operational limits and ensure uninterrupted but regulated movement.
The meeting was attended by ADC Bhaderwah Sunil Bhutyal, ASP Headquarters Mohammad Aslam, SDMs, XENs, CMO and representatives from BRO, Education Department, Fire and Emergency Services and other concerned departments.
The GM NHIDCL attended the meeting virtually, while stakeholders highlighted the present status and execution of ongoing works and urged enhanced inter-departmental coordination for improved road safety across the district.