As December ushers in the much-anticipated annual picnic season in Assam, the Sivasagar district police have proactively issued a comprehensive set of safety guidelines. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are designed to protect the large influx of visitors expected at the region's picturesque locations, including the popular riverbank area of Borhill.
Preventing Tragedy During Festive Outings
Sivasagar, celebrated for its rich historical sites and natural landscapes, transforms into a major attraction during this period. It draws crowds not only from neighbouring Assam districts such as Jorhat, Majuli, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, and Lakhimpur but also from other northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. In light of this seasonal surge, the police have formulated preventative measures to curb accidents and create a secure environment for all families and groups.
Mandatory Guidelines for Drivers and Vehicles
The police directives place significant emphasis on driver readiness and vehicle fitness. Drivers must be in good health, completely free from any intoxicants, and must have taken proper rest before embarking on the journey. To specifically combat driver fatigue, the SOPs advise against driving late into the night prior to the picnic day. If a driver is sleep-deprived, a substitute must be arranged.
Furthermore, picnickers are urged to conduct a thorough check of their vehicle's condition before travel. The guidelines strictly warn against overcrowding and creating excessive noise inside the vehicle cabin, as this can distract the driver. Wearing seatbelts is compulsory for every occupant.
Planning and Timely Travel Are Key
Awareness and planning form another crucial pillar of the safety campaign. Visitors are advised to gather prior information about weather conditions and their chosen destination. The SOPs notably suggest avoiding excessively long-distance journeys to minimise risk.
The police have issued clear timing advice: "Try to start the journey after sunrise and wrap up the picnic before sunset. Leave the picnic spot while there is still daylight." This measure aims to reduce the dangers associated with night driving, especially on unfamiliar rural roads.
Finally, all visitors are requested to strictly follow any additional instructions provided by the local administration at the sites.
A Collective Responsibility for Safety
SSP Subhasish Baruah of Sivasagar emphasized the importance of community cooperation. He stated that the joy of a picnic should never be overshadowed by tragedy, noting that these simple precautions can be lifesaving. The police urge every group and family to prioritize safety—from ensuring a well-rested driver to leaving the spot before dusk.
"Our primary objective is to ensure that every family enjoys a safe and memorable outing. These guidelines are a collective responsibility to prevent unfortunate incidents," SSP Baruah said. The overarching goal is a festive season filled with happy memories, entirely free from preventable mishaps.
