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Journalism of Courage
PANCHKULA, June 7: As Panchkula has grown, its traffic situation has worsened. The evenings are especially chaotic when youngsters emerge and trample all traffic regulations under the wheels of their flashy cars, bikes and scooters. What is even more disturbing is that minors who are unaware of traffic rules zoom defiantly through residential areas. This is dangerous not only for them but also for anyone unfortunate to be on the road at the same time.
Last year, a minor was killed in a road accident. The schoolboy died of serious head injuries because he was not wearing a helmet.
The favourite hangouts of college-going youngsters are the popular Sector 7 and Sector 11 markets where there are a plethora of eating joints. What creates a problem is improper parking. Cars and scooters are parked right on the road, obstructing the traffic passing through the area.
Superintendent of Police Alok Mittal said it was not possible to ensure patrolling as there was a shortage of staff, unlike in Chandigarh which has a sufficient number of policemen. But the police conducts a weekly check at around 10-12 points and has been able to check the violators to some extent. Mittal said that when the market parking area gets full, people are forced to park their vehicles on the roadside. The police cannot object to it but ensures that the vehicles do not obstruct passing traffic.
Even though the police maintains that those driving without helmets are challaned, one often comes across scooterists who manage to flee or take another route Traffic lights have been installed at some points but people drive by as if they are invisible. There is no policeman to check those jumping the lights. Rash driving continues unchecked, even after an elderly couple out on evening walk were hit by a scooterist a few months agoThe township needs a special traffic police force. But for the time being, the existing force must be more vigilant and strict to check traffic violations.
