up
Placeholder for notes from this meeting. Started almost 2 hours late as Mr Sood had to rush off to another meeting. We were asked to wait till 1 if possible. We spent this time chatting up with each other, and even managed a lunch at Shivajinagar bus stand canteen. Right when we planned to call it a day, Mr Sood returned. psaram, idontspam, Deepika, Srivathsa, silkboard, Ravi and Devesh (only for the intro) were present. Look fwd to meeting notes from all.
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Meeting with Mr. Praveen sood 20September2008
The meeting finally started at 2PM after a wait of 2hrs. Six of us were present after Devesh excused himself after getting Mr. Sood. Pranav started the ball rolling with a proposal of Praja being identified with one of the wards. Praveen felt that it would be better if Praja identifies with one of the Corridors of Bangalore instead.
The discussion was mainly around BTRAC analysis, enforcement, spreading awareness of Traffic hazards, sharing some hoardings space for spreading Traffic awareness with Praja among others. It was evident that Praveen was happy sharing most of the research and planning material with Praja. However a clear cut agenda of Praja interaction is yet to reveal itself.
Praveen was indicating that BMP is planning to construct 8 flyovers. However it was not clear what role was played by the traffic police in the decision process and the strategy in arriving at the numbers and their locations.
Praja was happy to note some of the significant contributions made by Traffic Police initiative in modification of many key junctions in Bangalore.
Meeting updates
Meeting Notes
ACP = Assistant Commissioner of Police
Additional Commissioner of Police is AdCP.![](http://bangalore.praja.in/modules/fckeditor/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/regular_smile.gif)
I hate to rain on our parade, but one of the basic problems the Police face is the unbridled corruption and "hafta" system. It involves everyone including politicians and the police department.
This rampant corruption prevents even the best intentioned and most capable officers from correcting and addressing the traffic chaos.
Bangalore Police also have a history of commencing special crackdowns and then letting them lapse in a few days. This inconsistentcy reduces their authority in the eyes of the average road user.
A force multiplier for the police would be the erstwhile Road Safety Patrol (RSP) which was later renamed to Students Association for Road Safety (SARS). As a RSP cadet in my school days, I know its effectiveness. Praja members who are parents can help the police liaise with school administration to make this project a sucess. It will require just 1 police constable at the school every morning and every afternoon. Students should get their SUPW credit for this.
Similarly, the traffic warden and volunteer system should be strengthened and promoted. Today, just getting the forms from the Infantry Road office is a major headache. The forms should be made available on the Net and at every police station.
Another area where Praja can help, is to work with Industry Chambers and help arrive at localised solutions to traffic issues in our neighbourhoods. For instance, I am aware of the need of a "magic box" at Forum signal, and also a Skywalk. We can propose these to BBMP, and use the clout of Chambers to push things through.
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Regards
Devesh R. Agarwal
Visit my aviation blog at http://aviation.deveshagarwal.com
Regards
Devesh
Bangalore Aviation
Enjoy life, destroy FUD
BBMP Vs BTP
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Re: BBMP Vs BTP
Great Going !
Good to hear praja folks meeting up with traffic police (Mr.Sood). The ideas presented made good reading. Bravo ! & let's keep it going.
my notes
Coming here late with my notes. But folks above haven't left anything uncovered. My takeaways from the meeting were
All in all, felt good to meet Mr Sood. I admire any babu, IAS or IPS type who sounds enthusiastic and positive despite being in the thick of it all - misgiuded projects filled with lack of transparency.