Noting with deep concern the recurring deaths and injuries due to road accidents, Chief Secretary, B R Sharma while chairing the 3rd meeting of the J&K State Road Safety Council underlined the urgency to move swiftly on the set of practices that would reduce road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir.A detailed report was presented by Transport Commissioner J&K regarding the action taken by various departments with respect to improving the overall traffic management in the State and addressing safety concerns of vulnerable road users.The Council was informed that over a thousand programmes have been organised in schools, colleges etc besides print and electronic media was vigorously involved in giving wide publicity to the road safety concerns.
Chief Secretary reiterated that road safety awareness programmes must be made a continuous process and conducted throughout the year.Regarding presence of emergency medical services along highways, the Council was informed that 10 Trauma Care centres are already operational along various highways with 6 in Kashmir Division and 4 in Jammu division. Besides 20 Critical Care Ambulance fitted with advanced life support system will also be allotted shortly. However, Chief Secretary asked the Health department to also provide Trauma Centre facilities in district hospitals so as to cover all accident prone areas.
The Council was also informed that State Road Safety Policy has been approved and the same has been placed in public domain for suggestions besides a proposal for creation of J&K Road safety Fund, proposal regarding enhancement of penalty/ taxes and fees and a proposal of reorganisation of the Motor Vehicles Department have been prepared and submitted to the administrative department.The Council also reviewed the action taken with respect to road accident data management, re-orienting the design Directorate of R&B department, erecting of crash barriers along highways especially accident prone areas, enforcement of Ribbon Development Act, Motor Vehicle Act, removal of encroachment along footpaths, setting up of intelligent traffic system in cities etc.