Una, January 28: Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal said that the administration will take stricter measures to make Una district drug-free and safe from road accidents. He clarified that school children coming to school on bikes or scooters is a serious safety concern and will be dealt with strictly.
The Deputy Commissioner instructed that Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) conduct surprise inspections of schools in this regard. If rules are found to be violated, the responsibility will be fixed on the parents as well as the school management.
The Deputy Commissioner was presiding over the meeting of the district-level committee constituted under N-CORD (National Narcotics Coordination Portal) and the subsequent meeting of the District Road Safety Committee at the DRDA meeting hall on Tuesday.
**Licenses to be Suspended in Drunk Driving Cases**
The Deputy Commissioner adopted a strict stance on drunk driving cases in the district and directed the concerned departments to take effective action. He said that driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious violation of the law and a major threat to the lives of the general public and road safety.
He clarified that the driving licenses of drivers found driving under the influence of alcohol will be suspended to ensure effective control over road accidents.
In addition, instructions were given to take strict action under the rules without any leniency in cases of over-speeding, dangerous driving, overloading, and other cognizable offenses.
**Improve Black Spots, Strictly Enforce No-Parking and No-Vending Zones in Markets**
The Deputy Commissioner instructed the officials to identify accident-prone black spots in the district and complete corrective work on a priority basis to prevent recurrence of accidents.
He directed that the declared no-parking and no-vending zones in all major market areas be strictly enforced and regularly monitored.
National Highways Authority officials were instructed to increase the number of signboards at necessary locations and install barriers and rumble strips. The De-Hatti stretch on the National Highway was declared accident-prone, and instructions were given to maintain special surveillance and vigilance in the area.
**Regular Anti-Drug Pledge in Schools**
The Deputy Commissioner instructed the Education Department to administer a regular anti-drug pledge during morning assemblies in schools. In addition, regular awareness activities on drug prevention and road safety should be organized in schools.
Instructions were also given to send monthly reports of these programs regularly to the DC and SP offices.
**Officials to Regularly Visit Schools Under the 'Apna Vidyalaya' Program**
Jatin Lal instructed the officers who have adopted schools under the 'Apna Vidyalaya' (Our School) program to regularly visit the schools and interact with students on the ill effects of drugs, road safety, discipline, and moral values.
He said that Chief Minister Shri Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has a special focus on this area, and all officers should responsibly fulfill their duties in line with this vision.
**Strict Vigilance on Private De-addiction Centers**
The Deputy Commissioner instructed for close monitoring of private de-addiction and rehabilitation centers operating in the district. He said that updated records of the staff, volunteers, and admitted individuals at these centers should be available with the police and administration so that immediate action can be taken in case of any irregularity.
**Anti-Chitta Walkathon to be Held in February**
The Deputy Commissioner informed that under the anti-Chitta campaign being run under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, an awareness walkathon will be organized in Una district in the second week of February. Widespread participation from educational institutions, social organizations, and the general public will be ensured.
**License to be Suspended for First Offense, Revoked for Repeated Violations: SP**
In the meeting, Superintendent of Police Amit Yadav said that in drunk driving cases, the license will be suspended for the first offense, while the licenses of those who repeatedly violate the rules will be completely revoked.
He appealed to all departments to share information with the police regarding cases related to drugs and road safety, especially drug supply or consumption, driving by minors, and other rule violations. The meeting was attended by ASP Surendra Sharma, Assistant Commissioner Varinder Sharma, SDM Una Abhishek Mittal, SDM Haroli Vishal Sharma, SDM Gagret Saumil Gautam, SDM Bangana Sonu Goyal, SDM Amb Paras Agarwal, Deputy Commissioner Excise Vishal Gorla, CMO Dr. Sanjeev Verma, Deputy Director Higher Education Anil Kumar, Deputy Director Elementary Education Somlal, DSP Mohan Rawat, DSP Anil Patial, and other officials.