Traffic and Pedestrian Rights
It is an open secret that the traffic situation in Puducherry is chaotic.The National Data for road accidents place the Territory in higher risk category. Given it's demography and extent of territory the number of vehicles plying on the road is disproportionate and unmatching.
History records that the Territory consisted of a good number of villages in the past. Over a period of time , the Rulers conceived and planned the Town as a City, like the one at Chandigarh.Bullock Carts , Carts drawn by other animals, hand drawn carts etc., i.e. indigenous type of means of transport were opersted widely and used in tandem with the environment and size of the Region without causing traffic snarl and pollution.
The population was also manageable and their preference was walking.It was the favourite means of movement. People carried on their day to day routine and undertook pilgrimage and other avocations of daily life without embarking on vehicles.
In fact , pedestrians laid down the original rudimentary form of thoroughfare and roads.Later facilitated for use of Carts and cycles.Cars and Buses were only later addition necessitated by development and population growth .
The life pattern was then natural and voluntary.Physical movement and activities helped them to have sturdy and well built physique.
The situation and trend have fast changed. People claim it as their status and prestige to own two wheelers and four wheelers now.From the point of view of culture and rapid corporatisation of the economy ,every one is interested and encouraged to possess modern vehicles competing with society .
It has become a change in the lifestyle. In the spirited competition walking has taken the backseat.
In a way, the growth and development process planned and executed by successive Governments have their focus on infrastructure and manufacturing etc.
The human element that forms the basis of Society and whose wellbeing and welfare are declared as resources potential are in a manner suggested to rely heavily on vehicles.
There lies the idea of marketing of automobiles and oil business in a massive scale .The interconnected business cycle transcending Countries have rich dividends at the cost of depriving people to forego a stroll or walk.
The scope of walking has been confined to fitness purpose and people chart out walking to secluded parks and beaches in a schedule time that to with much difficulty.
To undertake routine life activities walking has no space and pedestrians are at a terrible risk of encountering accidents. A serious question arises as to non-availability of space and rights to pedestrians compared to vehicle drivers.
The Right to Equality is also a silent spectator and Governments do not reach out to pedestrians and attach priority to this neglected and disregarded lot.
Pedestrians path are not affable and available in almost all the places.
They have to make use of the roads meant practically for all types of the vehicles at their own peril endangering their safety.
Will the Government resolve the issue and provide the much needed relief?
It is an open secret that the traffic situation in Puducherry is chaotic.The National Data for road accidents place the Territory in higher risk category. Given it's demography and extent of territory the number of vehicles plying on the road is disproportionate and unmatching.
History records that the Territory consisted of a good number of villages in the past. Over a period of time , the Rulers conceived and planned the Town as a City, like the one at Chandigarh.Bullock Carts , Carts drawn by other animals, hand drawn carts etc., i.e. indigenous type of means of transport were opersted widely and used in tandem with the environment and size of the Region without causing traffic snarl and pollution.
The population was also manageable and their preference was walking.It was the favourite means of movement. People carried on their day to day routine and undertook pilgrimage and other avocations of daily life without embarking on vehicles.
In fact , pedestrians laid down the original rudimentary form of thoroughfare and roads.Later facilitated for use of Carts and cycles.Cars and Buses were only later addition necessitated by development and population growth .
The life pattern was then natural and voluntary.Physical movement and activities helped them to have sturdy and well built physique.
The situation and trend have fast changed. People claim it as their status and prestige to own two wheelers and four wheelers now.From the point of view of culture and rapid corporatisation of the economy ,every one is interested and encouraged to possess modern vehicles competing with society .
It has become a change in the lifestyle. In the spirited competition walking has taken the backseat.
In a way, the growth and development process planned and executed by successive Governments have their focus on infrastructure and manufacturing etc.
The human element that forms the basis of Society and whose wellbeing and welfare are declared as resources potential are in a manner suggested to rely heavily on vehicles.
There lies the idea of marketing of automobiles and oil business in a massive scale .The interconnected business cycle transcending Countries have rich dividends at the cost of depriving people to forego a stroll or walk.
The scope of walking has been confined to fitness purpose and people chart out walking to secluded parks and beaches in a schedule time that to with much difficulty.
To undertake routine life activities walking has no space and pedestrians are at a terrible risk of encountering accidents. A serious question arises as to non-availability of space and rights to pedestrians compared to vehicle drivers.
The Right to Equality is also a silent spectator and Governments do not reach out to pedestrians and attach priority to this neglected and disregarded lot.
Pedestrians path are not affable and available in almost all the places.
They have to make use of the roads meant practically for all types of the vehicles at their own peril endangering their safety.
Will the Government resolve the issue and provide the much needed relief?
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