The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has suggested the constitution of a full-fledged Traffic Regulatory Authority and police posts for effective traffic management in the wake of increasing road accidents in the state. The House committee of Assembly on road mishaps has suggested to the state government to constitute a full-fledged Traffic Regulatory Authority (TRA) under "one roof" having the responsibility and accountability for regulation and management of vehicular traffic. Headed by CPI-M legislator M Y Tarigami,the panel also advised setting up of traffic police posts,well equipped with CCTV cameras and required communication system at suitable distances to curb traffic violations,including overloading in passenger traffic vehicles. The panel's suggestions were based on its observation during a series of meetings and spot inspections of various roads in connection with traffic management and increasing road mishaps. It has also suggested setting up of traffic check posts near Batote,Doda and Kishtwar towns for verification purposes to prevent driving by unauthorised and unlicensed drivers. As many as 3,288 persons were killed and 27,165 injured in 18,786 accidents in the state during the past three years,Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had said recently in the Legislative Council. The panel also wants setting up of special traffic squads,deploy traffic cranes,12 basic life saving ambulances,setting up model traffic driving schools,special medical teams for National Highways,among others.
