Ambedkarnagar Turns Road Safety into a Mass Movement: 'Chaupals' Held in Villages with IIT Madras Tech Support

Ambedkarnagar : In a significant stride towards curbing road accidents and transforming traffic discipline into a grassroots mass movement, the Ambedkarnagar district administration has launched a mega awareness campaign. Conducted in collaboration with the Center of Excellence for Road Safety (CoERS) at IIT Madras, unique 'Road Safety Chaupals' (community meetings) are being organized across various gram panchayats and urban local bodies in the district.

As part of this ongoing drive, a vibrant awareness session was held at Kudiya Chitauna village in the Katehari development block. The highlight of the event was the active participation of 'Road Safety Sakhis' (female volunteers) and 'Road Safety Mitras' (male volunteers), who interacted directly with rural residents to foster responsible driving habits.

During the chaupal, these volunteers educated villagers on critical aspects of road safety. They emphasized the mandatory use of helmets for two-wheelers and seat belts for four-wheelers, adherence to speed limits, respecting traffic signs, avoiding mobile phone usage while driving, and the strict prohibition of driving under the influence of alcohol. Special focus was also given to the safety of pedestrians and school-going children.

Speaking at the event, coordinators reiterated that road safety is not merely the government's or police's job, but the moral obligation of every citizen. The rural chaupals aim to instill safer transit behaviors at the household level to systematically reduce vehicular mishaps.

Underscoring the gravity of the mission, District Magistrate Smt. Isha Priya appealed to the residents to lead by example. "Road safety begins with us. Follow the rules, and inspire your family and neighbors to do the same. A single step of caution taken by you can save a priceless life," the DM stated.