Punjab Police: Despite repeated warnings and strict actions, people in the city are still failing to give up the dangerous habit of drunk driving. In a major crackdown carried out last night, the Punjab Traffic Police imposed challans on 61 drivers caught driving under the influence of alcohol.
To curb the menace of drunk driving, the traffic police conduct special checkposts three times a week at four different locations. The locations of these checkpoints are regularly rotated to ensure maximum coverage of the city. The entire operation is supervised by senior officials of ACP rank, while the Zone Incharge leads the ground action.
Each driver caught driving while intoxicated is fined ₹5,000 and has their driving license suspended for three months. However, despite these stringent measures, there is no visible reduction in such cases. Every month, the traffic police issue around 600 to 700 challans, but the number of drunk driving cases remains persistently high.
During the recent special check, Zone Incharge Rupinder Singh Mann reported that 22 drivers were found intoxicated behind the wheel, contributing to the total of 61 challans issued last night.
Continued Concern for Public Safety
Senior officials expressed deep concern that, despite the high fines and penalties, many drivers remain indifferent to the risks posed by drunk driving. It poses a major threat not only to the life of the driver but also to pedestrians and other road users.
ACP rank officers are closely monitoring these operations to ensure that the enforcement is thorough and effective. The strategy of regularly shifting checkpoint locations aims to prevent habitual offenders from evading detection.
Public Appeal by the Government
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government continues to urge citizens to adopt responsible driving habits. The administration has announced plans to run awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and public places, educating people about the grave consequences of drunk driving.
Officials also encouraged family members and the public to report habitual offenders to help the police take timely action. “We are committed to safeguarding the lives of the people of Punjab and will leave no stone unturned to eliminate such dangerous practices,” a senior police officer stated.
Future Plans
The government is also considering the use of more advanced breathalyzer checkpoints and deploying mobile units that can conduct surprise checks across remote areas to further strengthen enforcement.
