Patna Needs this campaign

I have shared my grievances on the current state of the public transport in a previous article यातायात और हम. I believe I had raised a few pertinent questions in that article. In this article I would like to highlight another important concern for any commuter – safety (and no I am not referring to the usual law and order angle). This is important especially in the context of the reemergence of Patna as a potential growth city. As a keen follower of news related to my native place, I have noticed an upward trend in road accidents / road rages in last few years. However, what coaxed me into writing this was a post in the Patna Community on Orkut where a member had narrated about a road accident. The incident took place near Boring Road crossing in which a couple of school kids on a bike hit a pedestrian and ran away – the man was critically injured. She then went on to describe the apathy of police and the indifference of common people towards the incident – despite heavy gathering none (including the Police) showed the interest in calling an ambulance for the man until his identity as a big shot was established.

I narrated the entire incident (as provided in the Orkut post) to emphasize on the seriousness of the issue in hand. It made me wonder – has Patna changed for good or worse? As a child, I was once involved in a road accident and a complete stranger helped my father to take me to a hospital. He stayed till I was treated by the doctor. That had also happened in Patna albeit some two decades back. Has that spirit of Patnaites withered away with time? However, I would resist questioning the conscience of an average Patnaite and would try to focus mostly on the practical aspect.  

A city is characterized by the life it offers to its citizen. An emerging city like Patna needs to be promoted as a favoured destination for the talented – this would bring business / investment not only to Patna but to the entire state of Bihar. And this is the reason why it becomes important to give due attention to the concerns related to traffic and public transport. Unfortunately, Patna not only boasts of a shoddy public transport system but is also marred by regular traffic mayhem. Add to it a complete disregard to traffic rules by both motorists and pedestrian and one has a complete recipe for a disaster. Thus, before this situation spirals out of control, there is a need of concerted efforts from all sections of the society to fan out this menace.

Initiating and implementing reforms for improving public transport in the city would take some time; so would creating infrastructure (Parking lots / widening of roads) to decongest traffic. However, a campaign could be planned and carried out immediately to imbibe responsibility and traffic sense among common people. This would require initiation from Traffic Police, support from all the media groups operating in the city and a will to improve the existing situation from the Patnaites. The following pointers can act as a guideline for such a campaign:

• Discourage Underage Driving: As pointed out in the incident narrated above, the perpetrators were most likely underage. Almost a decade back, when I was in school, underage driving was still a norm (It was fun for many). However, I think that the time has arrived to rectify this attitude – with the increase in the magnitude of traffic in the city underage drivers pose serious threat not only to others but to their safety as well. Such a measure would require cooperation from parents, school administrations and vocal support from media organizations. Most of the school going kids would not be eligible to drive vehicles – Traffic SP and DM can ask the schools to strictly enforce a rule which would bar the underage students from bringing vehicles to schools. Parents need to be persuaded by constant pressure from school administrations and media groups. The first step would be for the Traffic Administrators to call a meeting of school principals and editors of media groups to brainstorm over the issue and arrive at an effective way for implementation.
• At least a month long campaign in all the leading dailies / news channels / radio stations to inform the general public about the traffic rules. Carry out a general survey about the traffic sense (say ask them about Zebra Crossing) and I am sure the results would be eye opener. There should be an appeal to follow the traffic rules and basic traffic sense  while on roads – maybe repetition have an effect on the mentality of Patnaite. 
•  I am sure people who have lost / nearly lost their dear ones in road accidents would willingly support the cause. Seek their support – bring out the stories of such families. It is necessary that people realize that one rash act can devastate the lives of so many. This would probably be the most influential way to ensure that people act in a responsible way while on road.
• Bring in NGOs, Clubs (like Rotary) etc. to engage people through various activities / road shows to improve awareness about traffic rules.
• If fund becomes an issue, then enroll leading car manufacturers in the campaign. With Patna emerging as a vibrant market for cars, I am sure these companies will readily sponsor such initiative / campaign.
• Finally, build pressure on the state government / local administration to start giving due attention to the traffic woes of the city – introducing effective public transport system; installation of traffic lights / street lights; sprucing up the traffic police with resources (both human and technical); building foot overbridges and underpass for the convenience / safety of pedestrian etc. 

 

I believe such a campaign is a necessity for Patna. In its fast pace of catching up with other city, this city should not ignore the essentials of a good / vibrant city.