STA urges kanwariyas to use reflective tape to curb accidents
2
Bhubaneswar: The transport department has launched a safety initiative for the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, recommending
kanwariyas
to attach retro reflective tape to their bamboo slings or 'bahungis' (kanwars) to prevent road accidents, especially at night.
The advisory comes close on the heels of the death of a kanwariya after being hit by a fire service vehicle in Koraput district's Boipariguda block on July 13.
A senior officer of the state transport authority (STA) said, "We have issued an advisory as thousands of devotees embark on their annual pilgrimage, often walking along highways and major roads both day and night."
STA said their primary concern is the safety of both kanwariyas and other road users.
"The retro reflective tape will make the pilgrims more visible to approaching vehicles, especially under low light conditions," the official said, adding, "We've observed that most accidents involving pilgrims occur during dawn and dusk. The reflective tape is a cost-effective solution that could save many lives."
STA has also instructed devotees to follow proper safety protocols while walking and crossing roads.
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The guidelines suggest walking in queues on the extreme left side of the road and avoiding central positions.
Devotee Ramesh Singh, who has been participating in the yatra for the past two years, welcomed the initiative. "This is a practical solution. Many of us walk through the night, and this will definitely help drivers spot us from a distance," he said.
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