Police phone-in programme: Fish trucks instructed to abide by rules within monsoon

Mangaluru: “All vehicles transporting fish, must strictly follow the guidelines that were enforced as per the National Green Tribunal (Southern zone) pertaining to Kerala on this issue from the beginning of the next season,” said Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sandeep Patil speaking at the police phone-in programme at the office of the Police commissioner in the city on Friday, June 21.

On May 6, a police notice was served to transporters, asking them to strictly abide by rules including adequate insulation of the vehicle and leak proofing, transportation of fish in crates in order to prevent seepage of melted ice, collection of spilt water and melted ice in waste water collection tanks of adequate size (50 litre capacity for vehicles carrying one tonne of fish) fitted on the vehicle.

Since the serving of notice, 37 fish transporting vehicles have been seized for not following the guidelines. Hence, they must follow the rules before the next season or face adequate consequence.

Responding to a caller’s complaint regarding a school van carrying excessive children, police commissioner Sandeep Patil said, “High court is closely monitoring the issue of vehicles carrying excessive children. Cases have been booked on 60 vehicles and 280 goods vehicles also for carrying passengers in it.

A caller from Mannagudda complained of street vendors selling flowers on the foot path causing inconvenience to the pedestrians to which Mr Patil said, “We will send our officers and clear them immediately from the footpath.”

Replying to a caller from Kutthar complaining about a bar and restaurant being opened recently very close to a school the commissioner Sandeep Patil said, “We will check it and ask excise department to take action on it.”

A caller from Kodical cross requested that barricade be installed at Kodical cross to control vehicles passing here at high speeds.

Responding to a caller from Kodialbail who complained about vehicles being parked on the footpath from Besant College to TMA Pai Hall, Mr Patil asked the concerned officer to visit the spot and book the cases on suck illegally parked vehicles.

A person from Bejai complained of city bus conductors behaving rudely with lady passengers and senior citizens to which Mr Patil said, “If such incident occurs anyone can send photos to the WhatsApp number 9480805300. Strict action will be taken such erring bus conductors.”

Around 27 calls were received during the phone-in programme which held every Friday from 10 am to 11 am, during which callers may call on 0824-2220530 or 0824-2220201 to directly express their grievances to the police commissioner. They can also complaint on WhatsApp to 9480805300.