Shillong, March 10: The Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma told the state Assembly that in 2016 there have been as many as 260 accident cases, where 150 persons lost their lives, 162 suffered grievous injury and 192 suffered minor injuries.
This was inform while replying to the Call Attention Notice tabled by an Opposition Member belonging to United Democratic Party (UDU), Dr. Jemino Mawthoh on the news item that appeared in The Shillong Times, Dated, February the 17th of February this year, under the caption, “Post West Khasi Hills Tragedy, Focus on Road Safety”, Dr. Sangma said some of the major causes for road accidents are over speeding, drunken driving, avoiding safety gear like seatbelts & helmets, wrong overtaking, bad road, vehicles are no-longer road worth, using of mobile phone while driving, distraction to drivers lime animals on the road and billboards.
The Chief Minister also informed the House that according to the World Health Organization, more than one million persons are killed on the world’s roads each year. Dr. Sangma noted that the problem of road accident was most severe in the developing countries and observing simple preventive measures could reduce the number of death by half. “In India, five lakh road accident are registered every year and about 1.5 lakh people lost their lives in such accidents.
While making a Suo Moto statement on behalf of Home Minister, HDR Lyngdoh in connection with the road mishap which occurred at Khahnar in East Jaintia Hills District, the Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma told the House that on the 8th of March this year, the Officer Incharge of Saipung received a telephonic information from the Headman of Khahnar that a motor accident took place at Khahnar Village and some have died on the spot and the injured were taken are being shifted to Saipung PHC.
Accordingly, the Officer Incharge proceeded to the accident spot. On reaching the spot, the OC learnt that one Mahindra Pick-up driven by Kyrshanlang Lamurong of Mooknor Village was fully loaded with 40 to 45 passenger was proceeding towards Saipung PHC for Eye Check-up conducted by Bansara Eye Clinic, but on reaching Khahnar village due to extreme bad road condition, rash and negligent driving of the driver, the said vehicle over turned. As a result of which, three person died on the spot. Dr. Mukul Sangma informed the House that an FIR was registered against the driver, Kyrshanlang Lamurong. Attempts were made to arrest the accused, but he was found absconding.
The Chief Minister said awareness programmes have been conducted from time including observation of the Road Safety Week-2017 in all the Police stations, Police Out Posts. Dr. Sangma also said frequent checking of over loading, over crowding have been undertaken and fine have been imposed on the violators
