Yamraj and Chitragupta to give lessons on road safety and traffic rules in Gurgaon

The road safety awareness campaign, Sabhya Road Bhavya Gurugram, will see nukkad nataks being staged at malls, schools and colleges, among other places, in Gurgaon.

Don’t be surprised if you spot Chitragupta and Yamraj on the streets of Gurgaon. No, they have not descended from the sky, but will be giving traffic lessons to Gurgaonites as part of nukkad nataks (street plays) to be staged in the city.

This isn’t the first time Gurgaon Police is conducting road safety drives with a twist.

The initiative, part of road safety awareness campaign, Sabhya Road Bhavya Gurugram, will be carried out at schools, colleges, malls, metro stations and markets over a period of 15 days.

The campaign was launched by Deepak Gehlawat, DCP (HQ and Traffic) along with Mahesh Rajoria, senior advisor, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd recently.

According to data collated by the Gurgaon police, 481 people lost their lives in accidents on Gurgaon roads in 2017

“Traffic rules have two parameters: First, the enforcement, wherein we issue challans (fines), lekin hum 100% toh kar kisi ko challan nahi kar sakte. Second is self-discipline, which citizens need to bring in while driving,” says Gehlawat.

According to data collated by the Gurgaon police, 481 people lost their lives in accidents on Gurgaon roads in 2017. The figures stood at 420 in 2016. This isn’t the first time Gurgaon Police is conducting road safety drives with a twist. Last October, a policeman dressed as Yamraj conducted an anti-drunk driving campaign in the wee hours of the night.

The purpose of incorporating traffic rules as part of the play was to make it more entertaining.

“We continue to conduct road safety initiatives in the city. On Christmas, too, we did a drive wherein Santa was informing Gurgaonites on anti-drunk driving. The aim has been to make people aware of traffic rules, so that they return home safely,” adds Gehlawat.

The plays cover pointers, namely importance of wearing the seat belt, two-wheeler rider must wear a helmet, a four-wheeler driver should not talk on the phone while driving, and how drivers shouldn’t jump the red light.

“We are a team of five artists playing characters such as Chitragupta, Yamraj, and a drunken man. The purpose of incorporating traffic rules as part of the play was to make it more entertaining, and spread awareness about traffic rules because violating these rules can result in accidents and even loss of life. The message is portrayed in the simplest of language, so that everyone understand it,” says Rajeev Massey from the performing team.

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