The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Disappointed delegates

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Tuesday, Jan 08, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Disappointed delegates

The Kursura Submarine Musueum is said to be only second of its kind in Asia. The authorities concerned put in epic effort involving time and money to hauling the decommissioned sub ashore for the benefit of the general public. Kursura stands out on the beach road attracting curious onlookers. And any visitor to the city who knows about the unique showpiece would love to pay a visit to the sub that has become a pride of Vizag.

However, for many delegates who were in the city for the 95th Indian Science Congress who reserved the sight seeing part for the last day, there was disappointment in store. The Kursura Museum remained closed on Monday as it was its weekly holiday. The visitors had to be content admiring the piece from outside. The planners of ISC as well as the Visakhapatnam Urban Development authority (VUDA) that maintains the submarine museum, would have done well to have kept it open for the delegates of ISC who came from far and wide.

Checking road accidents

RTC drivers deserve a pat for the difficult task they are handling successfully: that of negotiating the growing traffic deftly and maintaining a good record. The RTC is constantly trying to improve the safety record by rewarding drivers, holding training classes etc. One of the reasons for a recent fatal accident was said to be the driver talking over cell phone. Officials also point out that drivers talking to passengers, not taking sufficient rest during the day when on night duty or dozing off in the small hours are some of the reasons attributed for accidents. Like in any other job good food habits and meditation will help improve matters.

Andhra University Professor and Traffic Safety expert Mohan Venkatram points out safety risk is eight times more during night than day, and in the small hours, it goes up to 16 times! Drivers also have a point.

In a road accident in the agency, the auto driver involved did not even have a licence but the bus driver was at the receiving end because it’s a big vehicle. Similarly, youth driving fast bikes or some taking to the road without the required skill meet with accidents but bus drivers get the blame.

Prabhakkar Sharma and G.V. Prasada Sarma

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Andhra Pradesh