• Assam govt issues guideline for picnickers, restricts vehicles to ply before fog clears

    Regional
    Assam govt issues guideline for picnickers, restricts vehicles to ply before fog clears
    The state government swiftly responded by issuing a SOP for all picnicgoers...

    Digital Desk: Hours after the deadly accident in Assam's Golaghat district which claimed the lives of at least 12 people, the state government swiftly responded by issuing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all picnicgoers. 

    The incident occurred when a bus carrying 45 passengers for a New Year picnic collided with a truck on the under-construction national highway near Balijan, Dergaon.

    The SOP, announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, emphasizes safety precautions to avoid similar accidents in the future. Buses carrying passengers for picnic purposes are now mandated to operate only after the morning fog clears and must reach their destinations before the evening fog sets in. 

    CM Sarma addressed the media, advising against early morning travel for picnics, particularly at 4:30 AM when visibility is severely affected.

    Expressing his concerns over the January 3rd accident, CM Sarma offered condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that the local administration was providing all necessary assistance to the injured victims. In a tweet, he conveyed his prayers for the quick recovery of those affected by the tragedy.

    The tragic incident involved a bus en route from Kamarbandha to Tinsukia’s Tilinga Temple and Dibrugarh’s Bogibeel for a New Year picnic. The collision with a truck coming from the opposite direction highlighted the need for stringent safety measures on the roads, prompting the state government to take immediate action.

    As Assam mourns the lives lost in this unfortunate event, the implementation of the SOP aims to prevent future accidents by regulating the timing of bus operations during periods of reduced visibility. 

    The state government's proactive response underscores its commitment to ensuring the safety of picnickers and travelers on Assam's roads.