Traffic police officials, in coordination with female police staff of Gurgaon, celebrated Raksha Bandhan in a unique way today.
As per the drive, instead of penalising people for breaking traffic rules, violators were gifted with a rakhi and asked to pledge never to break traffic rules again.
The drive, which was on till the afternoon, was all about creating awareness in a way people relate to the most. Getting a rakhi from a female police official instead of a challan evoked a different reaction in them.
The event was inaugurated by the commissioner of police, Sandeep Khirwar (IAS), at Sadar Bazaar and carried on at eight locations across the city - Atul Kataria Chowk, Mahavir Chowk, Huda City Centre, Vatika Chowk, Sohna Road, Pataudi Chowk, Sethi Chowk and the Kherki Dhaula toll. There were also two skits performed, which highlighted the importance of adhering to traffic rules.
“I was not wearing my helmet, as I didn't think anyone would check on the day of a festival," said Anurag Dhandhi, a resident of South City I. "And I was really surprised when I was given a rakhi by a female cop. I gave her Rs 100 as is tradition on the festival, but she just gave it back to me, saying my safety mattered more to her and that she would prefer if I wore a helmet instead. It was a touching gesture.”
Road safety officer Raj Kumar said, “Most violators were pleasantly surprised. And I think it worked. They took a pledge to follow traffic rules in future, which is what we intended. The idea was to make them follow rules in a positive way. Now we just hope they keep their word.”
