Kanwarias flout traffic rules, endanger lives on NH-8

July 25, 2014

A large number of Kanwarias had a free run on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway on Thursday as they blatantly violated traffic rules putting the lives of other motorists at great risk. Police personnel deployed alongside watched helplessly.

With the “Kavad Yatra” in its last leg, the arrival of Kanwarias – mostly from Hardwar – has increased greatly. But while most of the pilgrims walk with the Ganga water alone or in small groups, of late, there has been a surge of men taking to the route on vehicles in large groups causing trouble Delhi roads and its satellite township.

Though two-wheelers are not allowed on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, the Kanwarias were driving dangerously on motorcycles breaking all traffic rules. Also, most of the kanwarias were riding triple on the motorcycles without any helmets, but the policemen preferred to look the other way.

“These Kanwarias actually take turns to run with the ‘Kavad’ even as others ride the motorcycle ahead. They stop the motorcycles abruptly, which could lead to accidents, especially when the vehicles on the expressway are moving at a very high speed. Also, those running behind the motorcycles with the Kavads are at a grave risk of being hit by some vehicle,” said Abhinav Gupta, a motorist. Another motorist claimed that the situation was the same every year with the traffic police turning mute spectator. “I have been noticing it for several years now. Every Shravan, these Kanwarias have a free run just a day before Shivratri. The police have made separate lanes for the Kanwarias to walk with the Kavads, they should direct those on the motorcycles also to drive on service roads at least. It seems the police are waiting for a tragedy to happen before taking necessary action,” said Neeraj Arora, who commutes to Delhi every day.

Also some of the Kanwaria camps set up along the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway have encroached upon the road causing traffic jams through the day.

Source:The Hindu