YINGKIONG, 10 Aug: The first meeting of the District Highway Safety Task Force (DHSTF) was held at the DC office here in Upper Siang district on Monday, in connection with the implementation of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for periodical inspection and patrolling to prevent unauthorised parking of heavy commercial vehicles on national highways.

The meeting was convened in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court in suo motu Writ Petition (Civil) No 9 of 2025, in re: Phalodi accident case.

Chairing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang highlighted the salient provisions of the SOP, and initiated discussions on the way forward for its effective implementation in the district in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court.

The DC directed the officers of the Highway Division to conduct a survey and identify suitable locations along the Yingkiong-Pasighat stretch of National Highway 513 for the development of designated lay-bys and wayside amenities. He also stressed the need to identify vulnerable locations, accident-prone stretches, and areas witnessing recurring incidents of unauthorised parking of heavy and commercial vehicles.

The DC also called upon all participating departments and agencies to strictly comply with the SOP and ensure effective inter-departmental coordination for achieving the objectives of the directions issued by the Supreme Court.

Upper Siang ZPC Api Kombo, SP Token Saring and officers of the Highway Division, Pasighat, also shared their views and suggestions on road safety measures and the proper upkeep of the Yingkiong-Pasighat section of NH 513.

The SOP assumes significance against the backdrop of the Phalodi accident in Rajasthan on 2 November, 2025, in which a bus carrying pilgrims reportedly rammed into a stationary trailer truck on the Bharatmala highway, resulting in the loss of 15 lives and injuries to several others.

The incident prompted heightened attention towards preventing hazardous and unauthorised parking of heavy commercial vehicles on national highways.

During the meeting, the provisions of the SOP relating to periodical inspections and patrolling, identification of vulnerable and accident-prone locations, prevention of unauthorised parking of heavy commercial vehicles, and coordinated enforcement measures were discussed in detail for effective implementation in Upper Siang district.

All members of the DHSTF and representatives of the departments concerned attended the meeting.(DIPRO)