JAMMU: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Traffic, Jammu and Kashmir, M Suleman Choudhary, has directed traffic officers to put in place comprehensive arrangements for Diwali celebrations and the forthcoming winter season, with particular focus on vulnerable areas of Kashmir and national highways.
Chairing a meeting with senior officers, the IGP reviewed traffic management arrangements, enforcement measures, road accident hotspots, black spots and congestion-prone locations across the Union Territory.
Emphasising public convenience and road safety, Choudhary said smooth traffic regulation must remain the top priority of all traffic police formations. He called for coordinated efforts, professional commitment and timely intervention to ensure safe and hassle-free movement of vehicles.
The IGP directed officers to prepare comprehensive traffic management plans for Diwali celebrations in Jammu, Srinagar and other major towns, anticipating increased vehicular and pedestrian movement due to festive shopping and public gatherings.
He stressed the need for special attention to market areas, shopping complexes, religious places, major intersections and locations where temporary stalls, particularly those selling sweets and firecrackers, are likely to be established. Officers were also instructed to ensure adequate deployment of traffic personnel, regulate roadside parking, prevent unauthorised encroachments and facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles.
Reviewing preparations for the winter season, Choudhary directed Kashmir-based traffic officers and the SSP National Highway to formulate a detailed plan, particularly for Qazigund, Mughal Road and Sonamarg.
He asked officers to identify vulnerable road stretches, landslide-prone areas and snow accumulation points in advance. Adequate manpower and machinery, including snow cutters and snow-clearance equipment, must be kept available in coordination with concerned road-maintaining agencies.
The IGP further directed that all necessary arrangements be kept ready in anticipation of heavy rainfall or snowfall to deal with any eventuality.
He also made it clear that vehicles should not be allowed to proceed towards vulnerable road stretches without a proper assessment of road conditions and clearance from the competent authorities.
Reiterating the importance of road safety, Choudhary called upon officers to adopt a proactive approach towards accident prevention and improving traffic discipline.
He said effective implementation of the directions was essential to prevent road accidents, ease congestion and ensure smooth traffic movement during the festive season and challenging winter months.
