Traffic Management

We hear that the Chief Minister of Assam has instructed each and every deputy commissioner and district authority to be strict with traffic violators. This is welcome. However, the root causes of traffic incidents, accidents and rogue behaviour by vehicle owners lie somewhere else. No one would deny that there are bad elements. However, issues like poor road condition, poor traffic management, wine shops and bars all around, misuse of power by police and other authorities along with lack of discipline and sensitivity of the citizenry are the root causes of the issue. For example, take the case of pollution certificates (PUC) in Guwahati itself. In Guwahati, on an average about six thousand vehicles get added every month, and against this backdrop, there are just the 20 odd pollution testing centres in the entire city. While increase in the pollution testing centres was long overdue, the government went about implementing the new MV Act in a very mechanical and insensitive manner. One can easily gauge the quality of the PUC certificates. A section of policemen allegedly continues to use traffic management as opportunities for warming their pockets.

Involvement of all stakeholders is a must to have a long-lasting and harmonious traffic management all around the State. The citizens recently were left in the lurch with changes in the MV Act. CM sir, please focus on the core and real issues, not on fringe issues. Involve the people first.

A Concerned Citizen,

Guwahati