Cops crack down on school buses post Sangrur tragedy

Tribune Reporters

Patiala, February 17

As many as 214 challans were issued under the Safe School Vahan Scheme (SSVS) in the district within hours today. The number was 197 last year.

Almost in a panic mode after the tragic Sangrur accident, which claimed the lives of four schoolchildren, the traffic police, along with the Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) and the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), carried out a special drive. Besides, the law enforcing agencies impounded 25 schoolbuses and vans plying without registration to ensure safe transportation of schoolchildren.

Police officials inspected schoolbuses, autos and vans. A majority of the violations were overloading by autos, buses without permit and vans without first-aid kits and fire extinguishers.

In Patiala, secretary, Regional Transport Authority (RTA), Arvind Kumar, inspected 136 vehicles and impounded 25 for serious violations.

160 challans in Ropar

Ropar: The district administration has issued 160 challans and impounded 30 buses for violating safety norms. Teams, headed by Subdivisional Magistrate (SDM) Harjot Kaur, tehsildar Kuldeep Singh, naib tehsidar Satvinder Ranike and other officials, checked a total of 264 vehicles used for ferrying schoolchildren.

There were no fire extinguishers and CCTV cameras. Ropar Additional Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma said the checking would continue.

15 buses impounded

Sangrur: The RTA on Monday impounded 15 schoolbuses and challaned five buses. “We have impounded 15 school buses, plying in violation of the Safe School Vahan scheme, in Lehra and Moonak. We have also issued challans to five schoolbuses.” Karnvir Singh Chhina, secretary, Sangrur RTA. In Barnala, the authorities impounded six schoolbuses and issued 20 challans.