Balangir: Police here have decided to strictly implement the mandatory use of helmet and other traffic rules from Monday on the occasion of road safety week.

The police recently took out a motorcycle rally in the district with all personnel wearing helmets to sensitise town residents. The cops have also directed petrol pumps not to sell petrol to bikers without helmets.

And that has created a demand for helmets with temporary shops dotting the town's main streets that have sprung up in recent weeks.

People from all walks of life have hailed the initiative. Palace Line resident Aditya Tripathy said the use of helmets was a necessity and it was a positive sign that the cops had decided to implement the rules. "We often fail to realise the benefits of helmets until something tragic happens. We can avoid casualties simply by wearing a helmet. The police should be strict while implementing the rule," he said.

Gadadhar Sahu, another town resident, however is apprehensive that the initiative would end up as a PR exercise as has happened earlier.

"Many such initiatives in Balangir have fallen flat after a good beginning due to lack of motivation and proper follow-ups. This may also meet the same fate if it is not taken up as a long-term initiative," he said.

Sahu said the cops had taken up such an initiative a few years ago as well, but it didn't last long. "I remember how a young superintendent of police had implemented the mandatory use of helmet a few years ago. Things were well as long as he was here. But once he left, it was back to square one. I hope it is not repeated," he said.

Balangir police superintendent K. Shiva Subramani said they were prepared to face the challenge. "We will see that the decision is strictly implemented. Anyone found not wearing helmets would be sternly dealt with. People will also have to strictly follow all other traffic rules or face punishment otherwise," he said.