Guwahati roads a death trap for pedestrians

GUWAHATI: Unhappy over lack of facilities for the pedestrians, a section of people in Guwahati have expressed their disatisfaction over lack of zebra crossings at major traffic points, making it dangerous to cross roads. The unavailability of foot overbridges and crossing points has compelled the pedestrians to jump over dividers, making life miserable for them.
Chandropal Deka, a resident of Six Mile, said, "Even if the zebra crossings are painted on roads, no one pays any attention towards them. There are no signals for the pedestrians to cross roads." He added that while some people run, others just stroll while crossing roads.
Chandropal added, "Once I stopped my bike at a zebra crossing by mistake and thought that I will be booked. However, the on-duty policeman didn't even take note of it. There must be many such cases in the city everyday?"
Pooja Rajkumari, a student, said, "Riders in the city do not have patience. They don't care for pedestrians and jumping the traffic light by a second is like a trophy for them." She added that most zebra crossings in the city have faded.
Highlighting the problems he faces while crossing roads in the city, Ayush Joishi, a student, said, "Crossing roads is a risky proposition, putting the lives of pedestrians in danger. Police are doing their best but the riders are breaking traffic rules."
Saurabh Bosu, a college student, expressed his concern over reckless driving of bus drivers. He said, "While crossing streets, I become very careful. Reckless riding is very dangerous." Sumit Roy, a student of Gauhati University, added, "There is no awareness by traffic police. An awareness programme on pedestrian crossings will at least educate some riders and pedestrians."
He further said, "If you go to any traffic point in the city, you will see vehicles right on the zebra crossing. Why don't the police book them? This will at least create awareness."
Talking to TOI, DCP (traffic) Prasanta Saikia said, "Awareness is important in management of traffic. Everyone should respect the sanctity of the zebra crossing. We are seeking cooperation from everyone." Talking about manpower crisis in the Guwahati Trafic Police, he added, "Traffic personnel are doing their hard work. We need cooperation from everyone in spreading awareness."
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