Unchecked E-Rickshaw Operations: A Looming Security and Safety Threat
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Parvinder Singh December,2024||
JAMMU: The unchecked operation of e-rickshaws across various districts has emerged as a growing concern, raising questions about safety, security, and governance. Despite efforts by district administrations to regulate their routes and functioning, a lack of enforcement and growing irregularities have exposed potential risks to public safety.
Who Are These Drivers?
A significant portion of e-rickshaw drivers reportedly includes individuals without proper verification. According to sources, some drivers, allegedly belonging to the Rohingya community, have managed to obtain fake driving licenses and operate these vehicles. This raises serious concerns about the security vetting process and the potential risks involved in granting access to such individuals, especially in sensitive areas like railway stations and marketplaces.
E-Rickshaws Operating Without Regulation:
While district administrations have finalized specific routes for e-rickshaws, drivers have been observed plying as per their convenience, often causing traffic disruptions. Complaints from commuters and senior citizens indicate instances of overcharging, reckless driving, and violations of prescribed guidelines.
Additionally, reports suggest that some drivers operate under the influence of drugs and alcohol, endangering passengers and pedestrians alike. Despite these alarming issues, there appears to be little to no systematic checking or monitoring of these drivers, further compounding the problem.
Security Implications:
The lack of oversight has broader implications for security. With e-rickshaw drivers having easy access to critical areas such as railway stations and other public hubs, the potential for misuse cannot be ignored. In light of recent developments, police have lodged FIRs against landlords and property owners who have provided shelter to undocumented individuals, including members of the Rohingya community. These developments highlight the gaps in regulatory oversight and the urgent need for action.
Public Feedback and Concerns:
Our ground team interacted with senior citizens who voiced their concerns about the deteriorating situation. They emphasized the absence of thorough checks on drivers and the growing menace of unregulated operations. Many expressed fears about the safety of commuters and questioned the accountability of local agencies tasked with monitoring these activities.
Key Questions for Authorities:
1.Verification and Monitoring: Are the agencies maintaining a database of e-rickshaw drivers, and is there a system for regular background checks?
2.License and Regulation: How are fake licenses being issued, and what steps are being taken to prevent this malpractice?
3.Route Compliance: Why are district administrations failing to enforce route adherence, and what measures are being planned to address the issue?
4.Drug and Alcohol Influence: Is there any mechanism in place to conduct random checks on drivers to ensure they are not under the influence while operating?
5.Security Threats: With access to sensitive areas, how are agencies mitigating the potential misuse of e-rickshaws as a security risk?
The unchecked operation of e-rickshaws is not just a matter of administrative laxity; it is a potential security hazard that demands immediate attention. Authorities must prioritize stringent checks, enforce route compliance, and address the complaints of overcharging and reckless driving. Most importantly, the nexus of illegal activities, including the issuance of fake licenses and sheltering undocumented individuals, must be dismantled to ensure public safety and security.
This issue is a wake-up call for all stakeholders to act decisively before it escalates into a larger crisis.
