Dikhyaa Mohanty 
From April 1 to 7, the state of Odisha will mark “Zero Fatality Week” in an effort to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries. For the effective execution of the campaign, the Commerce and Transport Department has sent a standard operating procedure (SOP) to all parties involved, including government agencies, district Collectors, and SPs/DCPs.
5,467 people died in 11,663 traffic incidents in Odisha in 2022. As compared to 2021, the number of people killed in traffic accidents increased by 7.60% in 2022. If these accident victims had been sent to the closest medical institution during the “Golden Hour,” many lives would have been spared.
Usha Padhee, principal secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department, described road accidents as a significant concern for Odisha. “Every life is important. Our administration places a great focus on road safety, and we are actively working to reduce traffic accidents throughout the state. To guarantee there are no fatalities throughout the week, the state government has established a four-pronged strategy: education, engineering, enforcement, and emergency treatment. Nothing is more crucial or virtuous than saving the life of someone who has been injured in an accident.
The department has outlined the duties of each stakeholder department in the SOP, including Home (Police), H&FW, Works, Rural Development, and Housing & Urban Development, and has asked them to use all legal means at their disposal to prevent any casualties during the workweek.
