“Let’s Make Nagpur Roads Safer”: Dr. Nirbhay Karandikar Launches Citizen Movement for Road Safety

Dr. Nirbhay Karandikar, an orthopedic surgeon based in Nagpur, has ignited a new campaign titled “Let’s Make Nagpur Roads Safer,” dedicated to improving road safety for cyclists, pedestrians, and commuters alike. After spending two weeks commuting by bicycle, Dr. Karandikar became acutely aware of the rampant lawlessness on Nagpur’s roads, including a blatant disregard for traffic rules and frequent violations such as jumping red signals. This eye-opening experience motivated him to organize a meeting aimed at addressing these issues through collective action.

In his efforts, Dr. Karandikar collaborated with his father, who is affiliated with the organization Jan Aakrosh, and Ravindra Paranjape, an advocate for teaching students and young people to hold their parents and school van drivers accountable for traffic law infractions. The primary objective of the meeting was to brainstorm strategies to tackle the systemic problems surrounding traffic violations and to work towards sustainable solutions.

Key Conclusions from the Meeting:

• Collaboration with Traffic Cops: Effective enforcement of traffic rules necessitates the support of traffic police officers. While volunteer wardens are valuable, they lack the authority to penalize offenders, making police collaboration essential.
• Zero-Tolerance Zones: Establishing areas with zero tolerance for traffic violations can instill fear of legal consequences and encourage stricter adherence to traffic laws among road users.
• Focus on Education: Long-term change is achievable through educating children in schools and their parents about the importance of obeying traffic laws, fostering a culture of compliance from a young age.
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP): A collaborative approach that involves volunteers, traffic cops, and NGOs is more likely to create lasting change compared to scattered individual efforts.
• Election Time Challenges: With elections approaching, Dr. Karandikar anticipates potential delays in cooperation from law enforcement. He suggests using this period to assemble a team of volunteers, ready to launch the initiative promptly once support is secured.

A public meeting has been scheduled for December 7th at the Chitnavis Centre (Mimosa Hall) in Nagpur. Dr. Karandikar aims to gather 100 participants, including citizens, police officials, and civic authorities, to discuss the next steps in the campaign. The meeting seeks to unite diverse stakeholders in a concerted effort to enhance road safety across the city.

Event Details:

• Date: December 7th
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Mimosa Hall, Chitnavis Centre, Civil Lines, Nagpur
• Target Audience: Citizens, concerned authorities, and NGOs

Call for Support:
Dr. Karandikar urges fellow citizens to attend the meeting, share their suggestions, and contribute to building a movement that could set an example for other cities across India. He is also seeking volunteers passionate about road safety who are willing to work collaboratively for meaningful change.

Contact:
For further discussions or inquiries, Dr. Nirbhay Karandikar can be reached at +91 93725 12141. Those interested in participating in the initiative are encouraged to reach out and join the cause.

Let’s work together to create a safer, more disciplined Nagpur.