I have always been deeply passionate aboutthe traffic scenario largely because I served as the Special TrafficCommissioner for Delhi and had earlier postings there as well. I also underwentdriving lessons in Europe, spent a year driving in European cities, and studiedtheir traffic systems closely.
What concerned me most was the alarminglyhigh number of fatalities on Indian roads. It’s a persistent tragedy thatdoesn’t always make headlines because these deaths occur individually,scattered across locations and time. Around 400 to 500 people die in road accidentsacross India every single day. Is that not a greater cause of concern?
When I was the Special Commissioner ofTraffic Police in Delhi, five people died daily on average in trafficincidents. Should that not command the same urgency and focus as is seen inother deaths?
When I joined the Goa Police, I wasdisturbed to see even our own constables losing their lives in trafficaccidents, especially those commuting on motorcycles – whether on duty orotherwise. That prompted me to examine the root causes of road accident deathsin Goa. I initiated a scientific study to collect data and statistics, prepareda comprehensive roadmap, and presented it to the then chief minister ManoharParrikar.
I pointed out that while around 30 peopledie annually in Goa due to homicide, about 300 die in road accidents, ten timesmore. I urged that we must prioritise saving these lives as well. The chiefminister agreed with my proposal.
We began serious implementation of trafficlaws. Our approach included improvements in road engineering, public educationand awareness, and strict enforcement. These efforts produced measurableresults, which were documented and supported by official statistics.
There was a dip of around 20 percent inroad accidental deaths.
One of the major initiatives introduced wasthe Traffic Sentinel Scheme, which received considerable appreciation.Unfortunately, it was discontinued for various reasons after I was transferredfrom Goa. Yet, it’s telling that no one challenged the scheme in court. If it wasunlawful, someone would have raised a legal objection. I am confident that acourt judgment would have upheld our actions, as everything was done within thebounds of the law. A similar scheme was initially started by me in Delhi andthere also, no one challenged it.
Recently, I was pleasantly surprised tolearn from a news report that Goa is planning to reintroduce the TrafficSentinel Scheme in a new form. This reaffirms that the concept itself wassound. Perhaps the leadership at the time had issues – not with the principle,but with its implementation. I have always believed you shouldn't throw thebaby out with the bathwater. The scheme could have been refined, penaltiesreassessed, and procedures updated, but the ultimate goal remained: to reduce roadfatalities and ensure compliance with road safety norms.
No, we can’t prevent every accident. Butthat doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim high – even towards a goal of zerofatalities. Some countries are already pursuing this vision. Even whereaccidents occur, the emphasis is on minimising injuries and preventing deaths.Take example of Sweden's "Vision Zero" initiative, which aims toeliminate road traffic fatalities and serious injuries by shifting theresponsibility for road safety from the individual to the system designers.
The impact of a road fatality is notlimited to the loss of a life, it brings long-term trauma on families,communities and social cost to the nation.
Issue of lawlessness among visitors
Another issue I tackled was the perception amongsome Indian as well as foreign tourists that laws didn’t apply to them in Goaand that everything is permissible in this part of the land. While tourism is avital part of the state's economy, being a “tourist-friendly” state does notmean lawlessness. Being friendly doesn't mean allowing anyone to break the law.
I cracked down on such behaviour, and thatincluded enforcing Supreme Court guidelines on noise pollution. Loud music inopen areas is not permitted, especially because it affects residents, studentsespecially during the examination time, senior citizens, and working people.Everyone has the right to a peaceful night’s sleep. If loud music is necessary,it should be played in soundproofed venues.
One major success during my tenure was theenforcement of these rules at the Sunburn Festival. I made it very clear thatif the deadline is 10 pm, the music must stop by 9:59 pm. If organisersviolated that, the event would not continue. I personally oversaw theenforcement, and I am happy to say that rules were followed strictly during mytime.
Before my tenure, I cannot comment on whathappened. But I can say that during my period, not only was the law followed,but even financial dues such as the cost of deploying police for VIP protectionand event security were paid to the Goa Police, in full and on time.
Use of scientific techniques in crimedetection
Scientific and technical methods played acrucial role in cracking several complex cases during my tenure. A notableexample is the rape and murder case of Irish-British national DanielleMcLaughlin. It was a blind case with no clear leads initially. However, througha combination of advanced forensic tools, technical surveillance and humanintelligence, we were able to identify and arrest Vikat Bhagat. He has sincebeen convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. I was honoured to receive aletter of appreciation from the British Embassy, personally acknowledging mycontribution.
Another blind murder case involved perfumerMonika Ghurde. The accused was traced and arrested in Bangalore within 48-72hours. We also successfully tackled a gang of dacoits from Madhya Pradesh whohad committed robbery and rape in the South Goa. Similarly, we handled thesensitive case of desecration of churches and crosses in South Goa, which couldhave escalated into a communal issue. In one instance, we were close toapprehending the accused when he managed to escape, but he was caught shortlyafterwards.
These cases were cracked usingsophisticated technical surveillance and scientific methods, which I waspersonally overseeing. I not only introduced these techniques but ensured theirproper implementation. With a master’s degree in Criminology and aspecialisation in Cybercrime, I found deep satisfaction in this work.
Traffic management experience: a case study
I was also involved in traffic planning,particularly during the time when traffic flow increased significantly from OCoqueiro to Mall de Goa. Every observation and change was meticulouslydocumented.
There was a scheme proposed by a gentlemanthat I knew would lead to issues. I anticipated increased waiting time andvehicle congestion. Despite my reservations, he insisted on implementing it. Wewent ahead and I remained present at the site throughout.
During this period, I received a call fromNew York. I was informed that then chief minister Manohar Parrikar had askedabout the traffic congestion. This was the time he was undergoing treatmentthere. I explained that I was at the location, and we were experimenting with ascheme suggested by residents of Porvorim and found it ineffective. He told meto immediately switch to the original circulation plan, which we had decided.That moment was overwhelming for me for the reason that even though CM was sickand under treatment still he was following even minor incidents in Goa.
Our findings on traffic congestion werescientifically validated, similar to traffic management strategies used inDelhi and other major metros. Once we reverted to the original plan, thesituation improved. I had earlier suggested constructing a flyover because thatjunction was the root cause of the issue. Although we introduced temporarycirculation changes, a flyover was the long-term solution.
Vision for Goa in the next five years
Looking ahead, the priority must be savinglives both of Goans and tourists, lost to road accidents. There is alsowidespread and wrong impression among visitors, both Indian and foreigners thatGoa is a lawless zone where "rules of the universe" don’t apply. Thishas to change.
The Motor Vehicles Act (MV Act) applies toGoa just as it does to the rest of India. At one point, a municipality evenpassed a resolution declaring that the helmet rule would not apply in theirjurisdiction. No one objected. I had to speak up. I clarified that the MV Actis a central law, binding on all states including Goa. No municipality has theright to override it. The State Legislature can amend certain provisions, butcannot contradict the core of the Act. Supplementary changes are allowed andnullification is not.
Strict implementation of rules
On point which still irks visitors is theabsence of an app-based taxi system. I am aware that several measures are beingtaken by government to ensure that the interests of both the taxi owners andcommuters are balanced. A tourist friendly state must have a friendly taxiservice too.
