'Drivers should be extra cautious during Durga Puja'

Kolkata: Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, state Power minister, on Saturday launched an awareness programme for the drivers under Safe Drive Save Life scheme at Hazra Park.

The programme was launched jointly by the Kolkata Poura Karmachari Durgotsav Committee and the Traffic department of city police. Inaugurating the programme, Chattopadhyay said during the festive season, the drivers should be extra cautious as thousands of people will come to the city and will walk down to visit pandals and travel by public transport.

"For their safety and security, special attention is required and the drivers should navigate carefully and cautiously," he said. Chattopadhyay put up stickers displaying Safe Drive Save Life messages on buses and cars.

The employees of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) that organises the Durga Puja will conduct awareness programmes during those days too.

It may be mentioned that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asked the clubs and social organisations to come forward and take up the issue and launch awareness drives.

Following her instructions, several organisations have launched the Safe Drive Save Life programme along with the Kolkata Police. The number of deaths due to road accidents has come down drastically.

It may be mentioned that many organisations are hosting awareness drives through various social celebrations. Medical Bank had tied Safe Drive Save Life rakhis on the wrists of around 5000 people as part of the awareness campaign. Many clubs are using Durga Puja to intensify the campaign.