Pune Municipal Corporation to Introduce Breathalyser Tests for Water Tanker Drivers
In a decisive move to enhance road safety, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is actively exploring the installation of breathalysers at all water filling stations across the city. This initiative comes in the wake of two tragic accidents that claimed the lives of young individuals, prompting urgent action to ensure tanker drivers are sober while operating vehicles on public roads.
Recent Accidents Prompt Safety Measures
On April 5 and 7, separate incidents involving water tankers resulted in the deaths of two youngsters. Aariz Shaikh, a 19-year-old from Pargenagar, was killed on NIBM-Raheja Vista Road, while Gracia Daniel Isa, a 22-year-old from Wanowrie, lost her life near Ganga Satellite society in Wanowrie. Investigations revealed that the driver of one of the tankers involved was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, highlighting a critical safety lapse.
Nandkishor Jagtap, head of PMC's water supply department, announced, "Breathalyser tests will be conducted on tanker drivers before every trip. Legal action will be taken if any driver is found to be intoxicated." This measure aims to prevent such tragedies by mandating sobriety checks, with breathalysers used to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC) accurately.
Implementation and Collaboration with Authorities
The PMC plans to seek assistance from the traffic police to establish the breathalyser testing system. This collaboration will include training civic employees to conduct tests on drivers and maintain detailed records of results. Tankers, operated by contractors, fill water at designated points including Ramwadi, Swargate, Bund Garden, Patwardhan Baug, Yerawada, Chaturshrungi, and Pashan within PMC limits. With civic tankers making approximately 1,400 trips daily, the scale of this initiative underscores its importance in safeguarding public safety.
Community Concerns and Additional Measures
Residents and civic activists have long expressed concerns over the rude behavior and rash driving of tanker drivers, which they claim increases the probability of accidents. They have criticized the civic authorities for failing to adequately track the movement of these vehicles. In response, Additional Commissioner of Pune Police Manoj Patil stated, "The traffic police are carrying out regular checks to streamline tanker operations in the city. After the accidents, our office is considering measures like restrictions on the movement of these vehicles. If things work out, the timing of tanker operations will be restricted on the lines of curbs on heavy vehicles."
This comprehensive approach, combining technological interventions like breathalysers with regulatory measures, reflects a concerted effort by PMC and police to address systemic issues and prevent future incidents. The move is expected to set a precedent for other municipalities grappling with similar safety challenges involving commercial vehicle operations.
