Pics: by Umesh Marpalli
Udupi, Jun 28: As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity, Udupi chapter of Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India (CREDAI) distributed raincoats to police personnel at Udupi traffic police department on Friday, June 28 at superintendent of police (SP) office Bannanje.
Udupi CREDAI president Jerry Vincent Dias handed over the raincoats to traffic police, in presence of SP Nisha James.
In a conversation with CREDAI members, SP Nisha James said, “We have implemented several regulations for the betterment of the city. However, there is not much acceptance from the public. There is a need to create awareness among public about road safety.”
Joyan Lewis, secretary of CREDAI highlighted the traffic situation at Santhekatte – Kallianpur Junction. “Immense traffic congestion is seen here and the area has become an accident prone zone. There is a need to improve traffic situation at this junction. Weekly market is another headache for all. There is need to shift this market from here on priority,” he said. Lewis also raised the issue of unscientific bus stands on the national highway.
Replying to Lewis’s query, the SP said, “Recently, road safety authority meeting was held which was presided by DC Hephsiba Korlapati. People prefer convenience over safety. We should also look into the comfort zone of people. We can create awareness. We are getting good response from school vehicle drivers, who are diligently following regulations.”
“We will work on priority basis. Last week, we conducted six special drives on road safety. There are unauthorized bus stops on national highways. This has been a cause for road accidents. Around six accidents took place at Santhekatte Junction in a short period. We will conduct a survey on unofficial bus stops in Udupi and Kundapur region. Then we will submit its report to RTO department. Based on their opinion, we will take necessary action,” SP added.
“There is a bus stop in Santhekatte highway and we are thinking of removing that. Let us make a permanent bus stop on service road as early as possible,” she said.
SP Nisha appreciated the noble cause of CREDAI and its service activities and said the department is receiving support from corporate sectors.
“The new building for Santhekatte weekly market is all set open. Once the technical things are cleared, the market will be shifted,” she assured.
Udupi CREDAI had distributed saplings last year to increase the green cover in the city. Every year it allots a certain amount for good causes under CSR activities. The raincoats handed over to the traffic police were worth Rs 35,000.
Sudhir Shetty, CREDAI treasurer, members Glen Dias, Jeson Dian, Shivaprasad, Praveen, Harish Kini and Ranjan were present.