Thiruvananthapuram: The government is preparing to take stringent measures against those who drive vehicles under the influence of alcohol and other intoxicants in the state. Tough actions, including the cancellation of driving licenses of drunk drivers, are being considered by the government. Senior-level discussions with the transport department regarding this are underway, said Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala. The measures aim to reduce road accidents and ensure the safety of passengers and pedestrians. The Minister stated that driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious legal violation and such tendencies cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. This is behavior that endangers not only one's own life but also the lives of innocent passengers and pedestrians. Therefore, strict instructions have been given to the police not to show any leniency towards drunk drivers.
The Minister warned that no special consideration or benefits will be granted to lawbreakers and that the maximum legal actions will be taken against offenders. The government has also decided to intensify nighttime vehicle checks throughout the state. To detect those driving under the influence of alcohol and intoxicants, police surveillance will be strengthened on major roads, national highways, urban areas, and regions with a high risk of accidents. In particular, vehicle checks will be expanded extensively during night hours. The inspections are expected not only to identify violations but also to prevent accidents beforehand.
Minister Chennithala revealed that nearly 17,000 people have been caught by the police in cases related to drunk driving to date. He pointed out that the capture of such a large number of offenders highlights the gravity of the issue. The government assesses that strengthening inspections will help control drunk driving and enhance road safety.
Meanwhile, the Home Minister also announced that strict action will be taken against the overspeeding and dangerous racing by private buses on the roads. Reckless racing and speeding by private buses while picking up and dropping passengers will not be allowed under any circumstances. Careless driving that poses a threat to other motorists and pedestrians will be strictly controlled. All district police chiefs have been instructed to take uncompromising action against those driving dangerously on roads.
Vigorous monitoring will be carried out against violations such as overspeeding, careless driving, and hazardous overtaking involving private buses and other vehicles. The Minister directed the police to be more vigilant in preventing driving habits that threaten public safety.
Meanwhile, the second phase of 'Operation Toofan Care', part of the state's anti-intoxication initiative 'Operation Toofan', will commence on the 16th of this month, the Minister informed. Alongside legal actions against intoxication, the main goal of this program is to reintegrate those addicted to intoxicants back into normal life through treatment and rehabilitation. The second phase emphasizes providing necessary treatment and support to those addicted, rather than viewing them solely as offenders. To make de-addiction treatment and rehabilitation more effective, collaboration with healthcare institutions has been planned. Around 35 hospitals across the state have expressed their willingness to cooperate with the program, the Minister added. A special meeting of representatives from these hospitals will be convened in Thiruvananthapuram to coordinate treatment and rehabilitation efforts.
The scheme aims to adopt a comprehensive approach by not only preventing substance abuse but also ensuring access to necessary treatment and social support for addicts. By simultaneously implementing strict actions against driving under the influence, overspeeding, racing, and careless driving, the government intends to significantly improve road safety in the state. Minister Chennithala concluded by stating that alongside strict actions against offenders, anti-intoxication awareness and rehabilitation activities will be enhanced.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
