The Chhattisgarh High Court has mandated state and national highway authorities submit detailed affidavits on their compliance with road safety directives.
This order came while hearing a suo-moto Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated following the tragic accident in Kawardha district on May 21, which resulted in the deaths of 19 members of the Baiga tribe. The affidavits are to include comprehensive details on measures implemented, circulars issued, and the operational status of safety committees as per the Supreme Court’s directives. The court specifically called upon the Chhattisgarh Transport Commissioner, the regional officer of the National Highway Division in Raipur, and the project director of the National Highway Authority of India in Bilaspur to submit personal affidavits. These documents must outline the steps taken in accordance with the Supreme Court’s orders, encompassing records of all circulars and directives aimed at reducing road accidents on state and national highways. Additionally, they must report on the status and effectiveness of the District Road Safety Committees as stipulated by the Supreme Court guidelines.
This judicial intervention follows the catastrophic incident where an overloaded pick-up vehicle, carrying 36 passengers and 30 sacks of tendu leaves, plunged into a 35-foot ditch, presumably due to brake failure. The vehicle lacked a fitness certificate and proper indicators. The driver and some men managed to jump to safety, but 19 women and girls lost their lives.
The PIL also draws attention to severe traffic issues in Bilaspur, where 107 fatalities have occurred over the past four years, predominantly due to drunk driving. Reports indicate that roadside eateries serving alcohol are significant contributors to the high accident rate. Other critical factors include speeding, stray animals, poor road maintenance, inadequate lighting, insufficient signage, and a lack of proper patrolling. The court’s demand for detailed affidavits signifies a stringent move towards enforcing road safety measures and reducing the incidence of fatal accidents. This action underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring that safety regulations are not only established but also meticulously followed to safeguard public welfare. The emphasis on adherence to the Supreme Court’s guidelines highlights the importance of a coordinated and comprehensive approach to road safety management, aiming to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
