The ambitious initiative launched by the Bhopal District Collector to deny petrol to two-wheeler riders not wearing helmets has received mixed response on ground, exposing gaps in implementation despite official orders. As per the prohibitory order issued under Section 144, all petrol pumps in Bhopal are required to deny fuel to riders without helmets, starting August 1. The order will remain in force until 29 September. A similar directive has been issued in Indore, the only other city in Madhya Pradesh where Justice (Retd.) Abhay Manohar Sapre, Chairman of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety, conducted ground inspections this week.

 

Patchy Compliance Across City: On Friday, several petrol pumps in new city areas like MP Nagar, Arera Colony and Bittan Market complied with the order, and were seen refusing fuel to bareheaded riders. At some places, long queues of helmeted riders were also observed, indicating rising awareness. In contrast, many petrol pumps in the old city areas including Karond’s 80-feet road, Qazi Camp, and around the Railway Station, blatantly ignored the order, supplying fuel to customers regardless of helmet use. Though many pumps had pasted warning notices and banners stating ‘No Helmet, No Petrol’, the enforcement remained largely symbolic.

 

No Action by Administration Yet: So far, no punitive action has been reported against violators, either petrol pump owners or riders. District administration officials were reportedly occupied with Justice Sapre’s visit, during which he monitored traffic conditions and accident-prone black spots across the city. Critics Question Policy Logic: Many experts and citizens have questioned the effectiveness and intent behind such orders. “Wearing helmets is already legally mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act. Enforcement is the job of traffic police, not petrol pump staff,” said a local road safety advocate. “Why is the burden of law enforcement being shifted to private businesses?” They also pointed out that this is not the first time such an order has been issued in Bhopal, and similar attempts in the past have largely failed due to lack of consistent follow-up and legal clarity.