Shimla's top district official has made a strong public appeal, urging citizens to prioritize saving lives over recording videos when they encounter road accidents. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap emphasized that timely assistance is crucial and can make the difference between life and death.
Cash Reward for Good Samaritans: The Rahveer Scheme
While chairing a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee on Thursday, Kashyap highlighted a significant central government initiative to encourage public help. He detailed the Rahveer Scheme, under which any citizen who assists a road accident victim by taking them to a hospital is eligible for a cash incentive of Rs 25,000.
He gave special emphasis to the importance of the "golden hour"—the first critical hour after an accident. The administration promises special recognition for those who ensure victims receive medical care within this vital timeframe.
Tourist Season Safety Plan and Infrastructure Fixes
With a massive influx of visitors expected for Christmas and New Year celebrations, Kashyap stated that ensuring tourist safety is the administration's foremost priority. To provide immediate medical aid, temporary check posts with ambulance facilities will be established between Shoghi and Tara Devi.
Kashyap directly appealed to both tourists and local residents, particularly the youth, to drive carefully and adhere strictly to all traffic rules. He also addressed several infrastructure shortcomings, pointing out that many traffic lights in Shimla are either faulty or not working. He has instructed the concerned authorities to carry out repairs immediately.
Addressing Traffic Management and Black Spots
The Deputy Commissioner also urged the public to park their vehicles only in designated areas to ensure smooth traffic flow on the city's often-congested roads. In a move aimed at long-term accident prevention, Kashyap noted that the data on accident-prone black spots in the Shimla district is outdated. He has directed the relevant departments to update these records promptly to enable effective planning and intervention in the future.
This comprehensive review and set of directives from the district administration underscore a concerted effort to enhance road safety through public awareness, incentivization, and infrastructural improvements, especially during the high-traffic holiday season.
