Una, June 30: Additional Deputy Commissioner Mahendra Pal Gurjar directed all concerned departments to ensure time-bound, coordinated action to make the ongoing anti-drug campaign more effective and to strengthen road safety measures. He stated that both drug eradication and road safety are matters of public interest, requiring the active participation of all departments and regular reviews.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner was presiding over a meeting of the District Level Committee constituted under NCORD (National Narcotics Coordination Portal) and the District Road Safety Committee, held at the Zila Parishad Hall on Tuesday.
During the NCORD committee meeting, the Additional Deputy Commissioner directed that reports regarding the activities of drug prevention committees from schools that have not yet submitted them must be made available by July 30. He emphasized the need to raise awareness and foster sensitivity regarding the issue of substance abuse at the school level.
He instructed officials to hold special meetings with *Panchayat Pradhans* (village heads) in *Panchayats* identified as vulnerable to drug abuse, in order to formulate effective local-level strategies for prevention. Additionally, he directed Drug Inspectors, the police, and concerned departments to continue conducting regular surprise inspections of chemist shops; he emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of medicine sales and records, and directed that action be taken in accordance with the rules if any irregularities were found.
**Emphasis on inter-departmental coordination for road safety**
At the District Road Safety Committee meeting, the Additional Deputy Commissioner stated that if any modifications are required to the railing currently being installed along the National Highway in Una market, they must strictly adhere to technical safety standards and the guidelines of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
He also directed officials to study traffic congestion and traffic flow issues in areas such as Baduhi Chowk and to propose necessary corrective measures. **Incentives for Those Assisting the Injured**
Emphasizing the need for widespread publicity of the 'Good Samaritan' scheme, the Additional Deputy Commissioner stated that the first hour following a road accident—known as the 'Golden Hour'—is crucial, as timely assistance during this period can save an injured person's life. He noted that under the scheme, individuals who help save an accident victim's life by transporting them to the hospital within the Golden Hour are awarded an incentive of ?25,000 and a certificate of appreciation.
Additionally, the district administration has initiated a move to provide an incentive of ?25,000 to Good Samaritans who assist road accident victims, through the Red Cross Society. He instructed officials to publicize the scheme extensively and encourage maximum public participation.
He directed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to submit a status report on the implementation of designated 'no-vending' and 'no-parking' zones in their respective areas at the next meeting.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner instructed the Regional Transport Officer, the Police, and the Public Works Department (PWD) to prepare and present detailed analytical data on road accidents at the next meeting. This data is to include details regarding the location, frequency, and causes of the accidents. He stated that the District Road Safety Plan would be further strengthened by incorporating measures suggested by all SDMs and data from various departments, with the aim of effectively reducing the number of accidents.
The meeting was attended by Additional Superintendent of Police Surendra Sharma; SDMs Vishal Sharma (Haroli), Saumil Gautam (Gagret), and Paras Agarwal (Amb); PWD Executive Engineer K.C. Thakur; and officials from the police, transport, public works, and other relevant departments.