Bhubaneswar: The city is observing the 29th National Road Safety Week with all gusto, but the administration seems least bothered about firming up security in areas that witness the most number of accidents.

Based on the road accident data from 2015 to 2017, the administration had identified 13 black spots in the city. The identification was done on the basis of the number of accidents and deaths these spots had witnessed.

As part of the effort, the administration had decided to install signage and rumblers to alert commuters as they approach accident-prone areas. However, the lack of efforts to take the initiatives has resulted in the death of 56 persons at these 13 black spots between 2015 and 2017. During the same period, these spots had witnessed 159 accidents.

"There has to be efforts to let people know about the danger lurking at these spots, but it seems that the administration wants us to die," said Damana resident Ratikant Sahu.

When it comes to accidents, Kalinga Hospital Square is where most of those happen. During the period considered for data analysis, this black spot has witnessed 44 accidents and six deaths. Damana Square comes a close second with 38 accidents and four deaths.

"Traffic violation is rampant at Damana junction. It happens because police are doing nothing," he said.

A few other identified black spots that have been identified in the city are Sainik School Square, Studio Square, Gandamunda Square, RCM College Square, Brick Factory Square, Gangapada Square, Bhuasuni Temple Square, Pitapali Square, Baramunda Over Bridge and Ramamani Petrol Pump Square.

On National Highway 5, there are seven other black spots that have witnessed several accidents and deaths in the recent past.

These fatal stretches on NH-5 include Aiginia Square, Kalinga Vihar Square, Gohira Square, Palasuni Square, Hi-Tech Square, Lakheswar Temple Square and Khandagiri Square.

"Khandagiri Square is one of the worst junctions I have ever seen. It is the most congested and unplanned junction in the city," said commuter Dinesh Mishra.

"Six traffic personnel have been deployed at the junction but that does not seems enough, as accidents have frequent here. The administration has only made plans, but there is minimum execution," he added.

Works department chief engineer (roads) Om Prakash Patel, however, said that new black spots had been identified on the basis of recent data and efforts would be made to install proper signages and other safety measures at these places.

"We have succeeded in bring down the number of accidents at black spots that had been identified in the past," said Patel.

He said the black spots keep on changing based on accidents and fatalities.

"We had identified three major black spots based on the accident data from 2013 to 2015. We have succeeded in ensuring road safety at these places and the accident count has dropped significantly," he said.