District Road Safety Committee Holds Successful Workshop Towards Road Safety

GANGTOK: Following a resounding rally from SNT to MG Marg, a workshop on road safety and traffic rules was organised at the Mini Hall at Manan Bhawan on February 7 afternoon. The event was conducted in alignment with National Road Safety Month by the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) under the Transport Department and Motor Vehicle Division.
The workshop had the presence of Mr Tushar G Nikhare, District Collector cum Chairman DRSC, Mr Dukpa Sherpa, Secretary State Transport Authority, Mr Roshan Pradhan, RTO Headquarters, Mr Karma Zumba, Joint Director Administration, Mr Bimal Gurung, DSP Traffic, Drivers’ Association, Sikkim Riders Club, People for Animals Sikkim, Guardians Sikkim, Citizens for Animal Shelter Sikkim and students from Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School and West Point Senior Secondary School.
In his speech, Mr Tushar G Nikhare, District Collector and Chairman of DRSC highlighted the traffic rules and regulations.
The DC spoke specifically to the students and advised them to cherish life and make a collective effort to intentionally obey traffic rules and regulations. He announced the introduction of focus group discussions in regard to rehabilitation centres and asked the active help of students, and biker community to aid in drug de-addiction.
Mr Nikhare further encouraged the students to look towards entrepreneurship as a serious pathway adding that SUN TALKS, an initiative to highlight local Sikkimese entrepreneurs, will benefit the livelihood of students.
Mr Phurba W Bhutia, Deputy RTO, led the awareness cum orientation on road safety practices outlining the importance of updated car documentation, the dangers of worn out tires, failed insurance, drunk driving, overloading of cars and driver fatigue. He also advised drivers to carry break oil, and take a ten-minute break every two hours while driving long distances in order to prevent mishaps.
Mr Bimal Gurung, Dy SP Traffic, highlighted the legal aspect of drivers license and insurance. He stated that some habits such as checking underneath your car for any stray animals and driving with a cool and stress free mind will benefit both drivers and the general public.
Ms Smriti Rai from People for Animals Sikkim, gave a talk about animal safety stating that hit and run cases with animals is very prevalent. Some solutions that were discussed were the installation of signage boards, speed limit bumper and neutering of stray animals to control over population. Ms Rai also remarked on the efforts of SARAH and other NGOs in ensuring the safety of animals.
Mr K C Nima, from Freedom Rehabilitation Centre engaged the audience in his talk about alcoholism and substance abuse. He underscored the importance of knowing that addiction is a disease which can be cured. He also spoke about having empathy for drug addicts, and the importance of rehabilitation centres that enables them to live judgment free in a conducive environment.
Short videos on the ten most important road safety rules, what to do in case of an accident and the importance of seat-belts were also screened for the audience.
Following this, mementos were handed out by the dignitaries to all the Associations present at the Workshop. The Transport Department accorded the West Point Girls’ Brass Band with Rs. 20,000/- for their recent achievements and performance at the rally.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mr Ayush Chettri, Motor Vehicle Inspector and the Welcome Address was given by Mr Dilip Sharma, RTO, Gangtok.