Parking chaos at the State capital, Kohima. (MExPic)
Chizokho Vero
August 6
Kohima (MExN): Overworked, rapid growth of vehicles, shortage of Traffic personnel etc. These are some of the problems being faced by the Kohima District Traffic Police Department. The Department is reportedly facing an acute shortage of Traffic manpower in discharging their normal duties. “vehicles keep on increasing day by day but the road has becoming smaller and smaller”, a traffic police official told The Morung Express .It is learnt that the present strength of the traffic policemen is inadequate to perform its duties in proficient manner. Presently, there are about 40- 60 traffic policemen manning the Traffic Control (North). The actual requirement is 70-80. The plight of Traffic policemen pertaining to the shortage of manpower is yet to be considered by the concerned authorities.
Furthermore, the department badly requires an ambulance and a recovery vehicle to meet emergencies in the event of vehicular accidents in and around Kohima. Sources said that least 150-160 traffic personnel are required in the state capital. Referring to the average vehicular accidents in Kohima, a traffic police official said that at least 5 accidents occur every month and the extent of casualty is at 5-6 a month. Referring to disobedience of traffic rules, the officer said that most of the cases relating to violation of traffic rules particularly in regard to violation of parking rules have increased. Wearing helmet has also been made compulsory for two wheelers in the city.
However, most riders continue to violate the rules. Several cases have been registered against the defaulters. Traffic Police has also banned the use of mobile while driving.
Cell phones are reportedly being seized if caught by traffic police. Concern over the lack of traffic rules and road signs are being raised by motorists. Referring to an awareness seminar organized by the Traffic department two years back a traffic police Officer said “We are thinking of organizing similar programme but our main problem is time factor”. Expressing dismay over the lack of civic sense, he also observed that unless the public extends their co-operation, ushering in an effective traffic system in Kohima would remain a distant dream.
