Guwahati, Nov 15 (PTI) Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance compensation for victims of the Kaziranga minibus-truck collision, provide free treatment to the injured and livelihood assistance to families of the 26 deceased.
In the letter, the former leader of the opposition in the Assembly expressed concern over the deplorable condition of the National Highway-715 stretch and alleged that the authorities’ neglect of essential road safety measures was disturbing.
Saikia demanded a thorough examination of the road’s condition, design, maintenance, traffic management and safety arrangements, as well as urgent intervention on highway safety, healthcare and infrastructure of the region.
Appreciating the prime minister for announcing financial assistance immediately after the accident, but said the magnitude of the tragedy demanded enhanced compensation and rehabilitation measures.
Administrative accountability must be fixed while the conduct of the drivers involved must also be investigated, the Congress leader said in the letter while expressing disappointment over the response of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who visited the accident site a day later on Saturday.
Saikia claimed that while Sarma announced ex gratia and promised a probe into the accident, his remarks had failed to adequately address the grievances of locals about the highway. He also referred to the Chief Minister’s reported remarks about a possible medical emergency involving the deceased driver, saying this should not divert attention from potential deficiencies in highway infrastructure.
At least 26 people died, including women and minors, and 20 others were injured in a head-on collision between a minibus and a container truck near Kaziranga National Park in Assam on Friday, officials said. Many of the victims were college students.
Saikia further said that Sarma himself had acknowledged that certain traffic restrictions had previously been relaxed under political pressure, making an independent examination of administrative decisions necessary.
In the letter, he also raised concerns relating to the Kaziranga region, including the NH-715 safety, healthcare facilities, alleged misuse of hospital premises, environmental protection, expansion of the eco-sensitive zone and land acquisitions, among others.
The Congress leader sought an increase in total compensation to the next of kin of each deceased to at least Rs 20 lakh, inclusive of the Rs 9 lakh already announced by the central and state governments, with additional assistance for families losing multiple members.
He also sought free medical treatment, rehabilitation and disability compensation for the injured, scholarships for dependent children, and livelihood assistance for families losing their principal earning members.
The Congress leader further asked for a comprehensive independent enquiry into the accident, including the NH-715 condition and compliance with safety standards.
Saikia said Kaziranga’s conservation must be undertaken with the participation of locals, who must receive a fair share of tourism benefits. PTI TR TR NSD
NSD
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.