Uttarakhand Chief Minister Inaugurates Road Safety and Green Earth Marathon in Dehradun
In a significant initiative to bolster public safety and environmental consciousness, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially flagged off the "Road Safety and Green Earth Marathon" from the Circuit House in Dehradun on Tuesday. This event marked the successful conclusion of National Road Safety Month 2026, underscoring the state's commitment to fostering safer roads and a cleaner ecosystem.
Campaign Objectives and Participation
Organized by the Uttarakhand Transport Department, the campaign spanned from January 16 to February 14, 2026, with the primary goals of:
- Raising awareness among citizens, especially the youth, about adhering to traffic rules and regulations.
- Promoting a pollution-free environment through collective efforts towards cleanliness and sustainability.
The marathon witnessed enthusiastic participation, with approximately 800 runners embarking on a 5-kilometer route that traversed key landmarks including Hathibarkala, Dilaram Chowk, and Ashley Hall, culminating at the Parade Ground. The diverse turnout highlighted the community's engagement with these critical issues.
Chief Minister's Address and Key Messages
During his address to the assembled crowd, Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the importance of road safety, urging all citizens to:
- Strictly follow established road safety norms and exercise heightened caution while driving.
- Prioritize pedestrian safety to reduce accidents and enhance overall traffic management.
He specifically called upon the youth to take on proactive roles as "flag-bearers of road safety" and "road safety friends," encouraging them to disseminate awareness within their communities. Additionally, Dhami appealed for unified actions to protect the environment, maintain public cleanliness, and actively reduce pollution levels across Uttarakhand.
Impact and Recognition
Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement & Road Safety) Anita Chamola reported a notable achievement during the campaign, citing a 12% decline in road accidents, particularly within the Dehradun district. This statistic underscores the effectiveness of the awareness drives conducted throughout the month.
To honor the participants' efforts, winners across various categories were awarded trophies, certificates, and cash prizes, generously sponsored by local vehicle dealers. The event saw the presence of distinguished officials, including Rajpur MLA Khajan Das, Dehradun Cantonment MLA Savita Kapoor, Additional Transport Commissioner Sanat Kumar Singh, Joint Transport Commissioner Rajiv Mehra, and other senior dignitaries, reinforcing the government's support for such initiatives.
This marathon not only celebrated the culmination of National Road Safety Month but also reinforced Uttarakhand's dedication to creating a safer, greener future for all its residents.
