The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has intervened to address a major traffic and safety hazard in Kochi, issuing urgent directives to the city corporation and police. This action comes in response to widespread reports of malfunctioning traffic signals at two critical intersections.
SHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Traffic Chaos
Acting on media reports highlighting public inconvenience and danger, SHRC Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas initiated a suo motu case. The reports specifically pointed to the non-functioning traffic signals at Kadavanthra and Thevara Ferry junctions. These failures were cited as primary causes for severe traffic congestion and raised significant safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists alike.
Directives for Immediate Inspection and Rectification
In his order, Justice Thomas issued clear instructions to two key authorities. He directed the Corporation Secretary to ensure that an Assistant Executive Engineer is appointed to conduct a thorough inspection of the two sites. The engineer is mandated to take all necessary steps to rectify the faults if the signals are indeed found to be non-operational.
Simultaneously, the Kochi City Police Chief was instructed to appoint an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Traffic to independently inspect the traffic lights. The ACP is also expected to take prompt action to resolve the issue. Both officials have been given a strict deadline of three weeks to inform the Commission about the steps they have taken.
Officials Summoned for Hearing
The SHRC order further states that the Corporation Secretary and the ACP (Traffic) must personally appear before the Commission. The hearing is scheduled for 10 am on January 22 at the Pathadipalam rest house. This sitting will allow the Commission to review the actions taken and ensure compliance with its directives.
The Commission's proactive stance underscores the seriousness of the issue, treating non-functional traffic infrastructure not just as an inconvenience but as a potential violation of citizens' right to safe and orderly public spaces. The coming weeks will be crucial to see how swiftly the authorities act to restore normalcy at these vital Kochi junctions.
