SurakshitBharatAbhiyan.org, 02 November 2024

The tragic Bahanaga triple-train crash, which claimed at least 296 lives and injured over 1,000 on June 2, 2023, has reignited discussions on public safety and accountability. The Orissa High Court has pointed to “composite negligence” by railway authorities as a key factor in this devastating incident, emphasizing the urgent need for citizen engagement in safety oversight.

Justice Aditya Kumar Mohapatra, in a recent ruling, highlighted that the tragedy stemmed from failures in the maintenance and functioning of the signal system at Bahanaga Bazar railway station. He noted that had the railway personnel executed their duties with greater diligence, this catastrophic event could have been avoided. This ruling underscores the critical importance of both thorough investigations and proactive citizen involvement in public safety.

How Surakshit Bharat Abhiyan Can Empower Citizens to Prevent Accident Losses Like the Bahanaga Triple Train Crash.

Engaging Citizens in Safety Measures

The Surakshit Bharat Abhiyan seeks to empower citizens to take an active role in preventing such tragedies. Citizens could have intervened to avert the Bahanaga train disaster in a number of ways

• Vigilant Reporting: Citizens can act as watchful guardians of public infrastructure. By reporting signs of neglect, such as faulty signals or unsafe conditions on railway tracks, timely inspections could have been initiated, potentially averting disaster.
• Community Initiatives: Organizing local meetings to discuss safety concerns can empower community members to voice their experiences and advocate for necessary improvements in infrastructure.
• Training Programs: Citizens can engage in or initiate training focused on safety awareness, equipping themselves with the knowledge to identify risks and act promptly to prevent accidents.
• Leveraging Technology: Utilizing mobile apps and social media platforms allows citizens to report safety violations in real-time, enabling quick responses from authorities.

Citizen Participation in Surakshit Bharat Abhiyan

The Surakshit Bharat Abhiyan not only encourages vigilance but also promotes active participation through various initiatives:

• Watchdog Roles: Citizens are encouraged to monitor public services and infrastructure. Local committees can be formed to regularly assess safety conditions in transportation systems.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: By organizing campaigns to raise safety awareness, citizens can foster a culture that prioritizes reporting potential hazards.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing platforms for citizen feedback on public safety issues will facilitate ongoing engagement and improvement.
• Collaboration with Authorities: Citizens can work alongside government agencies to develop safety protocols and emergency response strategies, enhancing overall safety measures.

Rewards and Recognition for Citizen Engagement

To incentivize participation and recognize contributions, the Surakshit Bharat Abhiyan plans to implement a comprehensive rewards framework:

• Incentives for Reporting: Citizens who report hazards leading to timely interventions may receive financial rewards or certificates of recognition, encouraging active involvement.
• Annual Recognition Programs: Awards will honor citizens and community groups for significant contributions to safety, including public acknowledgment and potential monetary grants for community projects.
• Volunteer Opportunities: The Abhiyan will create volunteer programs for citizens to engage in safety audits and training sessions, providing valuable skills and official recognition.
• Public Acknowledgment Platforms: Establishing social media pages and community boards to showcase citizen contributions will foster a sense of community and motivate further participation.

The Surakshit Bharat Abhiyan therefore represents a crucial initiative for empowering citizens in the realm of public safety. By cultivating a culture of vigilance, engagement, and collaboration, citizens can play a pivotal role in preventing accidents and minimizing national losses. The introduction of a rewards and recognition framework will further inspire individuals to contribute positively to their communities, paving the way for a safer and more resilient nation.