Mangaluru: Police personnel will be deployed near Darbe Circle in Puttur during school closing hours to ensure students’ safety amid heavy traffic and crowds, MLA Ashok Kumar Rai has said.Rai visited Darbe Circle Saturday evening and discussed the issue with autorickshaw drivers and shopkeepers in the area.Students of St Philomena College, St Philomena High School, Bethany School and Little Flower School wait for buses at the same time in the evening. Parents had urged the authorities to deploy police personnel, citing safety concerns as students often rush to board buses when they arrive.After inspecting the spot, Rai said police personnel would be deployed from 3pm to 4.30pm to help ensure the safe movement of students.The MLA also said steps were being considered to shift the autorickshaw stand further back. He directed the municipality to demolish an old building nearby and make suitable arrangements for the petty shops operating in the area.“Students tend to jostle while waiting for buses after school. Since many of them are young, they may not always notice approaching vehicles while crossing the road. Police personnel will therefore be deployed to help children board buses safely and prevent accidents. The safety of the children is our priority. This arrangement is being made in response to the parents’ request,” MLA said.
