Mangan, Feb 5: National Road Safety Month was observed in Mangan with a series of awareness-raising activities organized by the Motor Vehicle Division under the Transport Department at Ringhim Helipad on Wednesday. The event aimed to highlight the importance of road safety, responsible driving, and compliance with traffic regulations to prevent accidents and ensure safer roads.
The celebration was graced by Chief Guest Anant Jain (IAS), Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Mangan, along with distinguished guests Sonam Detchu Bhutia, SP Mangan, and Abhijit R Patil (IAS), SDM Mangan. Other notable attendees included Tempa Rinzing Bhutia, Deputy RTO, Zigmee Dorjee Bhutia, ARTO, Netuk Lepcha, Deputy Director ICDS, and Sonam Laden Lachungpa, Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department.
The event saw active participation from local organizations such as Rongong Youth Club, Northern Riders (Motorcycle Club), United Brothers Mangan, and various volunteer groups and drivers’ associations.
The activities began with a foot rally from Bus-Dara, Upper Mangan Bazar to Lower Mangan Bazar, where participants spread road safety messages. A motor rally followed, traveling from Traffic Point to Ringhim Helipad, emphasizing the need to adhere to traffic rules and practice safe driving.
Tempa Rinzing Bhutia delivered the welcome address, and DC Anant Jain led the attendees in reciting the Road Safety Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to safe driving and responsible behavior on the road. The DC also urged drivers to maintain calm, adhere to safe speed limits, and strive for zero accidents and fatalities.
Zigmee Dorjee Bhutia discussed the role of AI cameras installed across Sikkim to monitor traffic violations and improve road safety. Topgay Lepcha from Traffic Police also highlighted the significance of following traffic rules and the consequences of violations.
Netuk Lepcha and Sonam Laden Lachungpa spoke about the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative, focusing on the safety of women and children on the roads. They also shared important helpline numbers, including 181 for the women’s helpline and 1098 for child protection services.
The event also included discussions on vehicle token tax compliance, the need for taxis to have scanners to prevent passenger disputes, and regulations related to luxury vehicles and licensing.
An open forum allowed taxi drivers to engage with officials and clarify concerns about traffic regulations. Sonam Detchu Bhutia emphasized the importance of maintaining lane discipline and encouraged drivers to secure insurance and register for government social security schemes.
The program concluded with a prize distribution ceremony to honor individuals who made significant contributions during the recent flash floods. The vote of thanks was proposed by Sangay Tshering Lepcha.
This celebration of National Road Safety Month in Mangan reinforced the collective commitment to promoting road safety and responsible driving throughout the community.
