BASAR, SEP 9:
The Leparada district administration has stepped up efforts to strengthen road safety and traffic management, with Deputy Commissioner Himani Meena directing concerned departments to identify accident-prone locations, intensify enforcement and awareness drives, and undertake a systematic assessment of highway encroachments.
The directions were issued during a joint meeting of the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) and District Highway Safety Task Force (DHSTF), chaired by the Deputy Commissioner here on Tuesday.
The meeting reviewed the roles and responsibilities of the two committees, with emphasis on identifying accident-prone areas, addressing road safety deficiencies, enforcing traffic regulations and strengthening inter-departmental coordination.
PWD (Highways) Executive Engineer G Padu briefed the members on major road safety initiatives of the Government of India, including the Prime Minister–Road Accident Victims’ Hospitalization and Assured Treatment (PM-RAHAT) Scheme and the Rah-Veer (Good Samaritan) Scheme.
Padu said the PM-RAHAT Scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2026, provides immediate cashless treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per road accident victim for a maximum of seven days at empanelled hospitals, subject to scheme provisions.
He also explained the Rah-Veer Scheme of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), which seeks to encourage members of the public to assist road accident victims without fear of unnecessary legal complications or harassment. Eligible Good Samaritans may receive a cash reward of Rs 25,000 on the recommendation of the District-Level Appraisal Committee, as per guidelines.
CO-cum-Member Secretary DHSTF Asunam Perme outlined the Task Force’s responsibilities, including identifying and removing highway encroachments, preventing illegal parking on road shoulders and curves, regular patrolling, monitoring safety deficiencies and conducting timely Motor Vehicle checks, particularly in cases involving juveniles.
The meeting also discussed measures to strengthen enforcement and prevent accidents. Meena directed authorities to identify specific causes of accidents, including blind curves, potholes, poor road conditions, sharp turns and over-speeding, and take corrective measures at vulnerable locations.
Emphasising public awareness, she directed that information on the PM-RAHAT and Rah-Veer schemes be widely disseminated so that accident victims and their families are aware of the assistance available. She also called for the District-Level Appraisal Committee to remain functional and facilitate timely consideration and recommendation of eligible cases under the Rah-Veer scheme.
On highway encroachments, the DC directed the constitution of a joint committee of concerned departments to identify and document encroachments within a stipulated timeframe, enabling necessary action.
The chair also called for more frequent road safety awareness and enforcement drives, stressing that sustained public awareness, effective enforcement and coordinated departmental action are essential to reducing accidents and protecting road users across Leparada district. (DIPR)
