Raising extreme concern and anger over the rising number of road accidents and casualties reported particularly on the outskirts of Raipur during the past few weeks, Chief Minister Raman Singh on Friday directed the officials concerned for taking appropriate steps to improve the situation.

Singh showed extreme concern over people losing their valuable lives in road accidents, especially on the highways and other main roads connecting with Raipur city. “It is high time to seriously think over the issue and take some urgent and important steps to control the situation. I urge the people to wear helmet and follow the traffic norms. Over speeding is dangerous both for the rider as well as other motorists on the road” the Chief Minister has appealed to the people.

He added that the Government would recommit to being more visible and take stronger measures against official negligence if the situation continues.“It is deeply disconcerting and painful to lose people in these accidents, more so because we are losing the lives of young people on whom our future depends,” said Singh.

The Chief Minister sent condolences on the death of a young couple, who lost their lives in a road accident reported on the outskirts of the city a day earlier at Siltara.The incident occurred when the victims were riding pillion on a motorbike in Siltara as they were hit by a speeding truck from the rear. Taking cognizance from the incident, the Chief Minister directed the traffic police to keep watch on the vehicles’ speed plying on Raipur-Bilaspur and other main roads and strictly implement other traffic rules.

He also issued instructions to all the district collectors for holding meetings with senior police officials at the district level to take necessary steps in the matter.