Traffic Warden initiative slows down over poor public participation

Mangaluru: Once driven by spirited citizen participation, Mangaluru’s Traffic Warden initiative is now witnessing a steady decline, with few volunteers stepping forward to assist traffic police personnel.

“Given that there are few takers for this voluntary service, we have appointed home guards,” said K Ravi Shankar, DCP (crime and traffic), Mangaluru.

The officer noted that despite repeated efforts by the police department to encourage youth participation through outreach programmes in colleges, the response has remained poor. “We will surely start other initiatives to motivate more youth to come forward,” he added.

The Traffic Warden Squad was launched in Mangaluru in 2015 under the leadership of nonagenarian Joe Gonsalves, who became a symbol of civic dedication by actively managing traffic. Gonsalves passed away in 2021.

Today, the once-active drive has been reduced to just three to four members.

Francis Maxim Moras, 61, the deputy chief traffic warden, recalled that the squad had more than 35 wardens in its early years. “At present, there are only three accredited members. Few people help during traffic congestions at times, but they are not officially accredited,” he said.

In 2022, Mangaluru city traffic police had announced plans to reorganise and relaunch the system as Mangaluru City Police – Traffic Warden Organisation (TWO), modelled on the Bengaluru City Police Traffic Warden Organisation. However, the plan failed to gain momentum. Moras said the department is now expected to issue a fresh notification regarding the initiative.

According to him, the squad lost many members since Gonsalves’ death, and post-pandemic only three members, including himself, have continued in the service.

A Rajyotsava awardee, Maxim currently manages traffic at Padua Circle while also working as a school van driver for the past 36 years. Remembering Gonsalves, he said: “If a 98-year-old could manage traffic and serve society, I felt I could also contribute.”

Calling for stronger institutional support and regular coordination meetings with the police department, Moras appealed to youngsters to volunteer for the cause.

“You need not join the police or army to serve the country. If you can devote even half-an-hour to society, that itself is service to the nation,” he explained.

It remains to be seen how much of those words find traction with youngsters.