Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Jul 27: Traffic wardens who have been serving in the Traffic Warden Squad and helping ease vehicular movement in the city were felicitated in a programme held at the police commissioner's office here on Wednesday July 27.

Addressing the gathering, Joe Gonsalves, chief traffic warden said, "It has been nine-and-a-half-months since the traffic warden squad was started. We have achieved some progress but there is still more to be achieved. Therefore we are here today to expand our squad and provide better service.

"Traffic has been increasing drastically and the current traffic police strength is not enough to control it. So we want to increase our strength. Our concept is to reduce the number of accidents by creating awareness. I assure the commissioner of police that we will serve our best in the coming days. I thank the police commissioner, deputy commissioner, assistant commissioner of police and all the stake holders," he said.

Michael D'Souza, NRI entrepreneur said, "I congratulate and thank the police commissioner and team for inviting the general public to help the traffic police department so that best service can be rendered. The three major issues in driving is irresponsible driving, narrow roads and bad condition of roads. The traffic police may not have enough number of personnel, so we can help them by joining this squad. I am glad that I am part of this organization and I will support this squad by interacting with my good friends so that more manpower can be provided and so also monetary help."

Chandra Sekhar, police commissioner of Mangaluru said, "We should highlight the good work done by the wardens so that more people will join us. It is easy to criticize and talk negatively sitting in front of TV. I will certainly give more attention to a person who will come to me and try to solve a problem rather than just blaming. People like our wardens and Good Samaritans like Mohan are people who really show that they have some concern for the society. I have the greatest regard for our wardens and I want more people to join us. I thank and give all the credit to previous police commissioner Murugan as it was his vision to start such a squad and make Joe Gonsalves the chief traffic warden."

Traffic wardens Francis Moras, J Mohammed and Mohan who helped and saved the life of an accident victim were also felicitated on the occasion.

Dr Ashok, retired professor of criminology, Roshni Nilaya, School of Social Work, Arjun Rai, head of the NGO Anti Pollution Drive were among the guests of honour.

DCP (crime) Dr Sanjeev Patil welcomed while DCP (law and order) Shantharaju thanked.

ACP Uday Nayak, ACP (traffic) Tilak Chandra and others were present.