PMC to get 12 breathalysers to scrutinise tanker drivers

Pune: The civic body is set to receive around 12 breathalysers from the Pune traffic police next week to check water tanker drivers and prevent drunk driving, senior civic officials told TOI.The move comes amid growing concerns over road safety involving tanker drivers and follows recent fatal accidents that triggered public outrage.Nandkishor Jagtap, head of the water supply department of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), told TOI that the civic body has only one calibrated breathalyser, provided by the traffic police. It was being used on a rotational basis across the eight PMC-operated tanker-filling stations."We had earlier tried to procure these devices ourselves, but the police advised caution regarding their make and accuracy. Some cheaper devices did not provide reliable readings. The scrutiny of drunk driving primarily fell upon the traffic police, but we were conducting random checks of drivers visiting PMC filling stations," Jagtap said.The need for stricter enforcement intensified after two fatal accidents involving water tankers earlier this month. Two youngsters — Pargenagar's Aariz Shaikh (19) and Wanowrie's Gracia Daniel Isa (22) — were killed after separate water tankers hit their two-wheelers on NIBM-Raheja Vista Road and near Ganga Satellite Society in Wanowrie on April 5 and 7, respectively.The accidents led to widespread protests, during which a local corporator reportedly apprehended a separate tanker driver allegedly found intoxicated while on duty.Following police action, tanker operators had also gone on a one-day strike. The strike disrupted water supply in several areas. After negotiations, operators were given a 15-day deadline to install 360-degree cameras in all their vehicles to improve monitoring and accountability.Officials said once the PMC receives the additional breathalysers, checks will be scaled up significantly. "For privately operated tankers, the traffic police would continue enforcement on roads. However, for those on PMC contracts, we would conduct frequent and random checks at filling points," an official said."Any driver, if found drunk, would face strict action. The contractor concerned could face suspension or termination of their agreement with the civic body. If we did not get these devices from the police, we would buy them in consultation with the traffic police," the official said.Commuters, however, believed that drunk driving has only been a part of a larger problem. Many pointed out that reckless behaviour such as speeding, distracted driving and cellphone usage behind the wheel were equally dangerous. "It has been very common to see tanker drivers steering with one hand while using their cellphones with the other. Some were talking. Some were watching videos while driving. Enforcement needed to be much stricter," said Pushkar More, a Wanowrie resident.Others noted that similar breathalyser checks conducted by public transport agencies such as PMPML and MSRTC have not fully resolved the issue. "Authorities needed to go beyond periodic checks. The PMC should hold tanker operators accountable and ensure they hire trained, experienced drivers after proper background verification," said Sujaat Kandul, a resident of Lohegaon.
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