Imran Shah
Kishtwar; In an initiative to promote the health and well-being of the transport community, and as part of the National Road Safety Month 2026, under the overall supervision of the Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, JKAS, and the Transport Commissioner, J&K, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, JKAS, and following their directions, ARTO Kishtwar, Motor Vehicle Department under the supervision of ARTO Kishtwar Sh. Tasleem Wani, JKAS, in collaboration with the Health & Ayush Department, Kishtwar, and with the support of DTI Traffic Police, Kishtwar, and J&K Police, Drabshalla, organised a free medical camp at the BDO Office, Drabshalla, for drivers and cleaners, including drivers engaged at the Ratle Hydro Electric Power Project.
MVI Robin Parihar, DTI Karan Singh, Sub-Inspector Deepak Mandlia, Dr Varun, Dr Shabir, and Vidya Lal, Pharmacist, participated in the programme.
During the camp, 150 drivers and cleaners received free medical check-ups and health screenings conducted by trained medical staff, along with the distribution of free medicines among them.
Rapid drug tests of 70 drivers were also conducted during the camp, along with raising awareness on safe driving practices and drug abuse. Besides this, dumper drivers engaged with the Ratle Power Project were directed to drive at limited speed, carry material within the permissible limit, and dump the material at designated sites only.
Speaking on the occasion, ARTO Kishtwar, Tasleem Wani, JKAS, underscored the importance of drivers as major stakeholders in road safety and the need for conducting their regular health check-ups and raising awareness among them.
He emphasised that ensuring the physical fitness of drivers not only safeguards their personal health but also contributes to overall road safety.
He thanked the CMO Kishtwar and District Officer Ayush, Kishtwar, as well as DTI Kishtwar, Sub-Inspector Police Post Drabshalla Deepak Mandlia, and the transporters of Drabshalla for providing the necessary support in successfully organising the programme.DD