Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 24 May: Amidst the increasing traffic congestion in Mussoorie—driven by the ongoing tourist season and the Char Dham Yatra—the Mussoorie Police have launched a strict crackdown against traffic violators. During a special initiative dubbed “Operation Prahar”, conducted on Saturday, the police effectively put an end to the high-handed behaviour of a car driver who was attempting to project a VIP status by driving under the influence of alcohol while blaring a hooter. The police seized the vehicle and initiated legal proceedings against the driver. According to reports, the Mussoorie Kotwali police were conducting a routine checking drive in the Bade Mod and Picture Palace areas. During this operation, a car bearing a Haryana registration number (HR-05-BA-0022) was spotted approaching from the direction of Bade Mod, emitting a loud sound from a hooter. Finding the behaviour suspicious, the police intercepted it and questioned the driver.
The police officers found the driver’s demeanour to be suspicious; suspecting that he was under the influence of alcohol, they administered a test using an alcohol meter. The test results confirmed that the driver was indeed driving while intoxicated. According to Mussoorie Kotwal Devendra Chauhan, the driver was attempting to intimidate the general public and throw his weight around by using a hooter without proper authorisation. Acting swiftly under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, the police seized the vehicle on the spot. Meanwhile, in view of the Char Dham Yatra and the peak tourist season, the Mussoorie Police conducted a comprehensive checking drive across the entire city. As part of this campaign, action was taken against vehicles fitted with tinted windows, vehicles parked in “No Parking” zones, minors driving vehicles, individuals driving without a valid licence, and other violators of traffic regulations. Officials noted that illegal roadside parking is exacerbating traffic congestion and simultaneously increasing the risk of accidents. Consequently, drivers have been strictly instructed to utilise only designated parking areas. A total of 135 traffic citations were issued during the course of this campaign. Of these, 111 challans were issued for parking vehicles in ‘No Parking’ zones, while one was issued for a vehicle fitted with black window film. One car was seized for ‘drink and drive’ violations and for the unauthorised use of a hooter. Additionally, one vehicle was seized for being driven by a minor, and two vehicles were seized for being operated without a valid driving license. Other challans were also issued for various violations of traffic rules. The Mussoorie Police have appealed to the general public and tourists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations, refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol, and park their vehicles only at designated parking spots, so as to ensure that traffic flow remains smooth throughout the tourist season.
