Kishtwar, January 04, 2026:
In a significant initiative aimed at promoting the health and safety of the transport community, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) Kishtwar, in collaboration with the Health & Ayush Department, Kishtwar, organised a free medical camp for drivers and cleaners at the BDO Office, Drabshalla. The programme was conducted as part of the National Road Safety Month–2026.
The initiative was organised under the overall supervision of the Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Shri Pankaj Kumar Sharma, JKAS, and the Transport Commissioner, J&K, Shri Vishesh Paul Mahajan, JKAS, and in accordance with their directions. The camp was conducted under the supervision of ARTO Kishtwar, Sh. Tasleem Wani, JKAS, with active support from the DTI Traffic Police Kishtwar and J&K Police, Drabshalla.
The camp catered to drivers and cleaners, including those engaged with the Ratle Hydro Electric Power Project. Officers and officials present on the occasion included MVI Robin Parihar, DTI Karan Singh, Sub-Inspector Deepak Mandlia, along with medical professionals Dr Varun, Dr Shabir, and Vidya Lal, Pharmacist.
During the camp, around 150 drivers and cleaners underwent free medical check-ups and health screenings conducted by trained medical staff, besides receiving free medicines. Additionally, rapid drug screening tests of 70 drivers were conducted to curb substance abuse among drivers.
The participants were also sensitised about safe driving practices, road discipline, and the ill effects of drug abuse. Dumper drivers associated with the Ratle Power Project were specifically directed to adhere to speed limits, transport material within permissible limits, and ensure dumping only at designated sites.
Speaking on the occasion, ARTO Kishtwar Tasleem Wani, JKAS, highlighted the critical role of drivers as key stakeholders in road safety. He stressed the importance of regular health check-ups for drivers, stating that physical fitness directly contributes to safer roads and the prevention of accidents.
He expressed gratitude to the CMO Kishtwar, District Officer Ayush Kishtwar, DTI Kishtwar, Sub-Inspector Police Post Drabshalla Deepak Mandlia, and the transporters of Drabshalla for their cooperation and support in making the programme a success.
