BASAR, 9 Sep: The Leparada district administration has stepped up efforts to strengthen road safety and traffic management in the district, with deputy commissioner Himani Meena directing departments concerned 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 the District Highway Safety Task Force (DHSTF) held here on Tuesday.
The meeting reviewed the roles and responsibilities of the two committees, with particular emphasis on identifying accident-prone areas, addressing road safety deficiencies, enforcing traffic regulations and improving coordination among departments concerned for effective implementation of road safety measures.
The DC directed the authorities concerned to identify the specific causes of accidents, including blind curves, potholes and poor road conditions, sharp turns and over-speeding, and to undertake appropriate corrective measures at vulnerable locations.
Emphasising the importance of public awareness, she directed that information on the Prime Minister-Road Accident Victims' Hospitalization and Assured Treatment (PM-RAHAT) Scheme and the Rah-Veer (Good Samaritan) schemes be disseminated extensively so that accident victims and their families are aware of the assistance available to them. She directed that the District-Level Appraisal Committee remain functional and facilitate timely consideration and recommendation of eligible cases for recognition under the Rah-Veer scheme.
On highway encroachments, she directed the constitution of a joint committee of concerned departments to identify and document encroachments along highways within stipulated time-frame for completion of the exercise, so that required action can be initiated.
The DC also called for increased frequency of road safety awareness and enforcement drives, stressing that sustained public awareness, effective enforcement and coordinated departmental actions are essential to improving road safety and protecting the lives of road users across Leparada district.
PWD (Highways) EE G. Padu briefed the members on major road safety initiatives of the government of India, including the PM-RAHAT scheme and the Rah-Veer (Good Samaritan) scheme.
Padu informed that the PM-RAHAT Scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2026, provides for immediate cashless treatment of road accident victims of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per victim for a maximum of seven days at empanelled hospitals, as per the scheme provisions.
He also explained the Rah-Veer Scheme, promoted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) 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 Rs. 25,000 cash reward on the recommendation of the District-Level Appraisal Committee as per applicable guidelines.
DHSTF Member Secretary Asunam Perme outlined the task force's core responsibilities, including identification and removal of highway encroachments, prevention of illegal parking on road shoulders and curves, regular patrolling, monitoring of safety deficiencies and timely motor vehicle checks, with particular attention to cases involving juveniles.
The meeting further deliberated on measures to improve enforcement and prevent road accidents. (DIPRO)