The scorching heat has taken its toll on the traffic police in the state capital with around 10 to 15 police staff reporting sick. looking the pathetic condition of the traffic staff, the department has given them some relief by allowing them to stand under the shade and perform duty in peak hours.
“Since last 10 days summers in Ranchi are at its worst leaving the roads deserted. Traffic police are hard hit in these months as they have to stand for long hours on blazing roads, heat waves and the vehicle fumes. Many of our officials in duty are suffering from bad health therefore, to give them relief from the scorching heat, we have asked them to stand under the shade while on duty and if traffic is less, they can take rest in the office. The department has also allowed splitting working hours into two shifts, four hours at a stretch,” said Traffic SP Rajeev Ranjan.
Department has deployed more than 100 traffic police in the city. Each traffic post has atleast four cops deployment. There is around 50 traffic post within the city.“The traffic policeman reports to his duty as early as 7 am and winds up only at around 9 to 9:30 pm with ninety minute break in the afternoon. This unforgiving weather is affecting them severely as they have to stand in sun to monitor the traffic and also check its violation,” added Ranjan.
The cops on duty have also welcomed the decision and have termed it ‘wise’. According to the traffic officials this effort will help the officials in performing their duty efficiently.“The strength has already reduced to half as many of them are not well and others are on poll duties. Working in shifts and taking break in between will keep our spirit up and also prevent us from the heat tortured,” said a traffic constable standing near lPN Shadeo Chowk.
Meanwhile, the cops have been asked to keep sufficient cold water with them and provision of rooting umbrella at the traffic post is underway. Provisions of glucose water for them are also on their card.“The budget of placing little equipment for the traffic officials on their work place for keeping them cool is on process and are hopeful that the plan will soon come into action,” added Ranjan.