Road Accidents Continue Unabated in Uttarakhand...
Dehradun: The tragic cycle of road accidents in Uttarakhand seems relentless, with only the dates and locations changing. Today, a devastating bus accident in Pauri district claimed six lives and left 18 others injured.
The accident occurred on the Pauri-Dehalchauri motor road near Kendriya Vidyalaya when a bus lost control and plunged 100 meters into a deep gorge.
Victims Identified
The deceased have been identified as:
1. Sunita (25), wife of Narendra, resident of Dobha village
2. Pramila, wife of Prakash, resident of Kesundar
3. Priyanshu (17), son of Prakash, resident of Kesundar
4. Nagendra, resident of Kesundar
5. Sulochana, wife of Nagendra, resident of Kesundar
6. Prem (70), son of Mathura Prasad, resident of Dehalchouri.
The police assisted by locals launched the rescue operation as the damaged bus turned upside down.
The injured were rushed to the hospital for treatment where tmany of them are reported to be stable but serious.
Citizens Voice Concern
Anoop Nautiyal from Dehradun Citizens Forum expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of road accidents in the state.
Speaking about the issue, he remarked, "The rising number of road accidents is a serious matter for the state government, its citizens, and the millions of tourists visiting Uttarakhand."
Nautiyal urged Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to launch a "Safe Uttarakhand Road Safety Campaign" and assign a dedicated and capable official to focus on this issue.
He suggested the campaign focus on the "4 Es": Enforcement, Education, Engineering, and Emergency Care.
Government Response
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed profound grief over the accident and assured all possible assistance to the families of the victims.
This incident highlights the urgent need to prioritize road safety in Uttarakhand. Collaborative efforts from all stakeholders are crucial to ensure that such tragedies do not recur in the future.
Call for Action
As Nautiyal pointed out, "Without proactive steps and dedicated efforts, the cycle of accidents in Uttarakhand will continue unchecked."
