Anantnag, Dec 01: The civil society in Anantnag has hailed the district administration’s decision to ban the sale of fuel to two-wheelers without helmets and called for “more such measures”.
The District Administration of Anantnag, in response to the alarming increase in traffic-related accidents and casualties, particularly involving two-wheeler riders, implemented a groundbreaking measure, prohibiting petrol pumps in the district from selling fuel to bikers without helmets. This move is in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988.
Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Syed F D Hamid issued strict instructions for the enforcement of this order. Tehsil magistrates have been empowered to inspect petrol station footage to identify any violations. Violators will face serious legal consequences, as per the order.
Hailing the initiative, the civil society Anantnag has called for additional measures to further enhance road safety and reduce traffic-related incidents. Haji Gh Mohd Dar, President of Jamia Masjid Aishmuqam and Chairman of the Civil Society Anantnag, has urged the administration to develop methods for keeping streets and road links clear of parked vehicles, a common cause of accidents and road congestion.
Sofi Sajad, a young voice from Anantnag, has appealed to the district administration to instruct various departments such as ULB, police, traffic police, and Tehsil administration to monitor and address the menace of rash driving, especially in rural areas where accountability and vigilance are often lacking.
Arfaat Sofi, former chairman of Aishmuqam Municipal Committee, urged Waqf and other departments to ensure that roads, such as the Ziarat Road Aishmuqam, are free from parked vehicles. He also emphasised the need to maintain speed limits on such roads to prevent accidents.
Sheikh Tariq, a social voice and former president of the Anantnag Working Journalist Association, appreciated the order and called for a social campaign to address the issue. He said that promoting family values and societal awareness will help educate young bikers about the consequences of rash driving.
