We are facing traffic issues almost every time we hit the road in Nagpur. Lets accept that we seriously lack civic sense. The people in general do not cross the road properly nor park their vehicles correctly. Very basic traffic rules, like stopping at a red signal and not driving from the wrong side, are ignored blatantly. The canvas of traffic rules is quite big, but very basic rules like obeying signals, not overspeeding, parking appropriately and not driving on the wrong side should not be very hard to follow... apart from helmet and seatbelt compliance. We are a group of friends and formed a "Traffic Awareness Group" (TAG).

 

We have been conducting an on-road campaign daily at Padole Hospital Square and Laxmi Nagar Square for the last 10 months from 5.15 pm to 6.15 pm, barring Sundays and rainy days. We've been conducting school outreach and college outreach programmes for traffic awareness under TAG and Rotary banners. We regularly go to NMC offices and traffic police offices for certain requirements, suggestions, guidance etc etc. I think its our responsibility to obey traffic rules, and the police/RTO are only responsible for its enforcement.

 

Why should we need a cop to tell us to stop at a red signal or wear a helmet? I suggested few measures, like 1. Every college, high school, and company should implement a "No helmet, no entry" policy. It can be enforced through gatekeepers/watchmen and a team from the college/institute itself. They can keep it quite engaging, as we (reading Rotary Club/TAG) can appreciate, motivate, and reward the team and issue certificates of appreciation from Rotary, the police, NMC, etc., who ll undertake such responsibility. If every college /institute just looks after their wards/staff, then it won't be long to see a big positive change in our traffic scenario. They just have to own it with intent. 2. We can engage able-bodied beggars/eunuchs by consulting with the law dept, human rights, etc., if they can be used as traffic marshals with proper screening and training. They can get a purpose in life and a dignified income. Intricacies can be sorted out if there is a will. Together we can make Nagpur a traffic-disciplined city and save many precious lives.