Mangaluru: Join hands to end chaos on roads - Traffic squad urges public participation


Johnas Sequeira
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 2: The Traffic Warden Squad made a beginning under the leadership of Joe Gonsalves, a nonagenarian resident of Mangaluru city, on October 2, 2015. Since its inception, the officer members of the Squad have made every effort to improve the traffic situation in the city. It is a common and interesting sight to watch people from different walks of life in their elegant khaki uniforms contributing their best to regulate the traffic at places like Bendorewell, Kankanady junction, Hampankatta, Nanthoor, and Pumpwell. Their emphasis is on educating the public to ensure that two-wheeler drivers wear their helmets and four-wheeler drivers wear seat belts. Developmental works like footpaths, drainage and concreting being undertaken in the city have added to the hassle. With a steep rise in the number of vehicles in the city it has become increasingly important to strictly observe traffic rules and thus avoid accidents and accidental deaths.

Very often there is a tendency on the part of the public to blame the traffic department for the inconvenience caused. However, most people openly break rules and regulations that are essentially imposed for their safety and convenience. Against the backdrop of the recent tragic accident on the Nanthoor-Kadri road, it is time for people to abide by the law – it is never too late to make a beginning. Getting rid of the 'me-first' attitude can save many lives in the city. The sad part of the story is that many young lives – on whom the nation has pinned its hopes – are lost or permanently disabled in this mad rush to reach their destination as quickly as possible.

Mangaluru city has grown in various areas during the past few decades. With positive aspects there are negatives too, both of these are like two faces of the same coin. With the amount of growth and development, there has been a steep increase in the population in the city and a relative increase in the number of vehicles too. The traffic situation in the city is worsening with each passing day and the district administration and the traffic police are doing their best to find a permanent solution. Again the roads that were built one hundred and fifty years ago cannot contain the traffic which has grown in phenomenal dimensions.

Several attempts have been made to circumvent the prevailing situation. Barricades have been put up at some places and some roads have been turned into one-way. Presently the police department is facing shortage of staff and therefore the Traffic Warden Squad has come as a big relief. The presence of traffic wardens is very much felt in the city. Officer wardens like Roshan Patrao, James Madtha, Francis Moras, Deenath D’Sa, Nelson Pereira, Oswald D’Cunha and J Mohammed are rendering yeomen service to the city. In addition there are about 27 student wardens from different colleges like St Agnes College, Milagres College and St Jospeh's College working under the direction of the officer wardens.

Speaking to daijiworld, Joe Gonsalves said, "It is necessary that problems created by the public are solved by the public. With this concept in mind we have been able to achieve considerable amount of success during the past few months. However, it is expedient that the officer force is enhanced to at least twenty when undoubtedly the presence of the Squad will be felt very tangibly. Traffic Warden Squad which commenced its operations in Bengaluru over thirty years ago has about 750 wardens. It has been only a few months since we commenced our operations and if we have the necessary support from the public, it would be possible for us to do a formidable job. We need public support and look forward to the cooperation of well meaning members of the public to come forward and lend their time for the squad to move forward.

"I join the department of law and order in appealing to the citizens of Mangaluru to come forward and join hands with us to highlight the concept of 'Drive safe - Save lives'," he added.

Speaking to daijiworld, Mangaluru police commissioner Chandra Sekhar said, "There are three main aspects why we need traffic wardens. One, traffic has more to do with everyone. It affects everyone in their day-to-day life. So some of the problem faced will be better understood by public than the traffic police. As they face it everyday in a particular area or place, they can give better solutions.

"Second, there is another issue here, and that is involvement of public. If a traffic warden says wearing helmet is good, public takes it positively. When a policeman tries to say the same, it becomes enforcement. By human nature we do not like someone enforcing something on us, whether it is for our own good or not is another issue. So through traffic wardens we will be able to convey our ideas of traffic regulation and traffic safety. This is another idea to convey our message to the public. Third, of course, is the shortage of personnel we are facing. So I urge more public participation in regulating the traffic and solving the traffic problem in the city," he said.

Officer wardens Roshan Patrao and James Madtha fully endorse the view that the public should come forward participate in this crucial task. They joined Joe Gonsalves' chorus and appealed to the people of Mangaluru to come forward and lend the Traffic Squad a helping hand.


Citizens interested in joining the Squad can contact:

Uday Nayak, assistant commissioner of police (traffic) - 9480802312
Roshan Patrao - 9880194908
James Madtha - 9448125695 / 9464725695
J Mohammed - 9008516070
Deenath D'Sa - 9844040056
Nelson Pereira - 9900901754
Maxim Moras - 9845878030
Oswald D'Cunha - 9845302742

 

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Comment on this article

  • m y bhandary, udupi/mangalore

    Mon, Jun 13 2016

    The traffic wardens have a specific role and responsibility. They cannot be superimposed over the police force who have powers and also enforcement of the law. The traffic wardens, I dont think, have powers to ensure performance.
    The RTO as also the Police Dept continuosly remain understaffed - possibly to get faster deals for offences as also to spread the so called grease. So long as the burocracy remains understaffed for obvious reasons, the citizens would have to suffer.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Noel lobo, Mangalore

    Thu, May 26 2016

    To avoid accidents first of all we require to control speeding. Secondly overtaking on wrong sides Buses driving rashly. Starting the bus before a passenger boards or gets down from the bus.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • jossy and cynthy, Padil,Mangalore

    Tue, May 03 2016

    It is a noble service done by the people,of the people and for the people.Wish them and the people of this great city,all the best.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohith, Mangalore

    Tue, May 03 2016

    Dear Citizens, while Traffic police is busy minting money by catching offenders for not wearing helmet, eccesss passengers In car, non-state cars entering Mangalore & innocents, please help the traffic Choas on the roads. RTO will still issue permits to busses who do not comply with the requirement because they get a share of the permit. The time has come to citizens to act as TP, to replace the actual TP. We are spending crores and crores of Rupees for Yethinahole project but we don't money to recruit efficient police officers to man the mangalore road. What a situation.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Citizen, Mangalore, Mangalore

    Mon, May 02 2016

    Mr. Madtha good pose, do some work like Mr.Oswald.

    DisAgree [1] Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • J.F.D SOUZA, ATTAVAR,MANGALURU

    Mon, May 02 2016

    Moral policing is a different job. They get some kind of different thrill from out of such activities. Let some interested guys join this good work.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ex Sgt George A Borromeo, Pumpwell

    Mon, May 02 2016

    Kudos to Mr. Joe Gonsalves and Team. I have seen them in action and we feel proud of them.
    Regarding educating Mangalorean Drivers, who are patient-less, and always in a hurry is a massive task. This is a temporary solution, how ever Government should recruit enough Police men to direct the ever growing, erratic Traffic.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • martin kent, canada

    Mon, May 02 2016

    Law abiding people vs the freewheeling phenomenon. Suicidal city slickers vs law abiding streets. Folks, obeying traffic laws means smooth flowing traffic and the ability to minimize gridlock and awful gridlock. People don't take traffic laws seriously and the youth see lawless adults getting away with their lack of conscience. The freewheeling family phenomenon repeats the cycle. Kids, speak to the adults including your parents!
    Learn about the Vestibular Structure and Velocitization.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Mon, May 02 2016

    How about calling some volunteers of the Morale Police...

    DisAgree [7] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Mon, May 02 2016

    What about remote control? – Just kidding!
    OMG! In the sweltering heat, humidity and pollutants. It is not that easy.
    God bless those who are volunteering to render their service. Great people indeed.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Mon, May 02 2016

    Make an appeal to BD's MP's.
    They have enough free and available time which they can make use for yet another better purpose.(Instead of spying on others)

    DisAgree [2] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • vibha, mangaluru

    Mon, May 02 2016

    good job by traffic wardens. making some time to control traffic.
    even thought i feel like helping, when to find time ?

    DisAgree [3] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Heerachand, mangalore

    Mon, May 02 2016

    Mr.Joe Gonsalves
    You say It is necessary that problems created by the public are solved by the public.
    I Say that 99% of the problems are created by authorities & officials, who are PUBLIC SERVANTS.............
    Can you take any step to solve the problems?
    1) Illegal constructions
    2) Incomplete PWD works
    3) Cutting Trees for development
    4) Parking of Vehicles blocking roads
    5) Damaged roads causing accidents

    Mr Rai,Forest Minister says there is lot of money with Govt of Karnataka to construct Yettinahole project..........But there is no money to fill in the vacant posts of Policemen.
    If you think that you can solve the traffic problem by assisting as traffic wardens, Then Govt. will never think of filling the vacancy.............WHY PAY SALARY?.......The work is offered freely by the traffic wardens.....

    THINK ABOUT THE PERMANENT SOLUTION TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM............
    LET THE KARNATAKA GOVT. WORK TOWARDS THE INTEREST OF THE SOCIETY.......
    MAKE THE ELECTED LEADERS WORK TOWARDS THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC.........
    REMIND THEM OF THEIR DUTIES & THAT THEY ARE PUBLIC SERVANTS......

    DisAgree [6] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Traffic Warden Roshan Patrao, Mangalore

    Mon, May 02 2016

    Mr. Heerachand, I appreciate your concern for the city. We have started the squad to set right one of the problems that plague the city. We are rendering unpaid service to the citizens of Mangalore for two reasons. First, we want to give back to our city that has given us life and livelihood. Second, we want people to take initiative to join us in solving the traffic problem of the city. Many people have appreciated our work and unhesitatingly congratulated us. Yet, we have a long way to go. It will take several years before the traffic of the city is under control. It is difficult, but not impossible. But we are ready to go any distance to help Mangaloreans. As for the problems you have highlighted, why don't you take the initiative to solve them. There are enough people who will join hands with you.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan Dsilva , Mangalore / Kuwait

    Mon, May 02 2016

    Good initiative. ..I feel similar strategy should be initiated from Mangaloreans to combat moral policing too..Once we Mangaloreans unite and initiate similar wardens or associations for sure we'll having upper hand over minor crimes at least..good luck team..

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan Dsilva , Mangalore / Kuwait

    Mon, May 02 2016

    Good initiative. ..I feel similar strategy should be initiated from Mangaloreans to combat moral policing too..Once we Mangaloreans unite and initiate similar wardens or associations for sure we'll having upper hand over minor crimes at least..good luck team..

    DisAgree [5] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Mon, May 02 2016

    Any step towards the improvement of the society is always welcome.Also we need serious action against wrong side driving and unnecessary honking. Joe sir, keep up your down to earth personality.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Mon, May 02 2016

    Good move Joe Gonsalves,
    Keep up the good work. Time is valuable in life. You have really shown the Traffic squad how much you appreciate them by giving your time...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • arm, ksa

    Mon, May 02 2016

    What ever we do things will get worse. Our infrastructure is underdeveloped and our traffic is growing day by day. It has become a status symbol to own a vehicle, public transport is over crowded. There is no place to expand only option left is to kill the nature by cutting trees. Which will eventually kill us.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • NAGESH PRABHU, MANGALORE/ABUDHABI

    Mon, May 02 2016

    A VERY NICE BEGINNING. IT IS OUR PLACE AND WE NEED TO WORK FOR THE BETTERMENT. IT IS VERY EASY TO BLAME THE DEPARTMENT. WHAT WE CONTRIBUTE TO OVERCOME THE SHORTCOMINGS AND IN WHAT WAY WE CONTRIBUTE TO TEH DEVELOPMENT MATTERS A LOT. I APPRECIATE AND WISH TO BE A PART OF SUCH ORGANIZATIONS ON MY RETURN BACK TO INDIA.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dev Kumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Mon, May 02 2016

    Better call Manoj Bajypee..for traffic awareness. His film Traffic is going to release soon. It will also become promotional tour for him..in mangalore.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Mon, May 02 2016

    Remove all cars with BEACONS ...

    DisAgree [8] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse


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