Date: February 17, 2026
In the wake of rising concerns over fatal road accidents in the hilly terrain of Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has launched a powerful counter-offensive. On Tuesday, the Chief Minister flagged off the “Road Safety and Green Earth Marathon 2026” in Dehradun, transforming the city streets into a river of runners dedicated to a dual cause: Zero Accidents and a Green Future .
This massive public outreach event, organized by the Transport Department and RTO Dehradun, marked the grand conclusion of the National Road Safety Month. But it wasn’t just a run; it was a strong administrative statement that the government is committed to tackling the “shocking” statistics of road fatalities head-on while championing environmental conservation .
![Chief Minister flagged off the marathon in Dehradun]
The “Strike Back”: A 5-Km Run for Life
The marathon, which commenced from Cantt Road in Dehradun, witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 800 participants ranging from school children to elderly citizens, all united by a common purpose . The event was more than just a physical activity; it was a visual representation of the public’s pledge to support the government’s stringent road safety measures .
CM Dhami, before flagging off the run, administered a collective oath to the participants. He urged them to become the “flag bearers of road safety” and act as “road safety friends” within their communities to spread awareness about traffic regulations .
“Following traffic rules and protecting the environment is the duty of every citizen. The government is continuously making efforts towards road safety and environmental protection.” – CM Pushkar Singh Dhami .
Key Highlights of the Event
To give you a quick overview of the event’s impact, here are the key highlights:
The Data Behind the Drive
The urgency of this mission is backed by hard data. Addressing the gathering, RTO (Enforcement and Road Safety) Anita Chamola revealed that the rigorous campaign over the past month has yielded positive results, with a 12% reduction in road accidents recorded in Dehradun district .
However, the terrain of Uttarakhand remains a challenge. With narrow mountainous roads and a high influx of tourists, road safety is a critical concern . CM Dhami’s strike-back strategy focuses on:
- Strict Enforcement: Cracking down on overspeeding and traffic violations.
- Mass Awareness: Engaging the youth through events like marathons to foster a culture of safe driving .
- Infrastructure: Continuous work with the central government on expanding and securing National Highways in the hilly regions .
Green Future: Running for the Earth
In a unique blend of agendas, the marathon also emphasized a “Green Earth.” CM Dhami connected the dots between road safety and environmental conservation, calling upon citizens to engage in cleanliness and pollution reduction .
The “Green Earth” aspect of the marathon serves as a reminder that a sustainable future also means adopting eco-friendly habits, reducing our carbon footprint, and preserving the pristine beauty of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand for future generations .
Conclusion: A Step Towards Vision Zero
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami’s initiative is a clear signal that the Uttarakhand government is not willing to accept road fatalities as a norm. By combining the energy of the youth with administrative will, the state is marching towards a “Vision Zero” goal—where no lives are lost on the roads.
The “Road Safety and Green Earth Marathon” was not just an event to conclude a month; it was the beginning of a long-term cultural shift. As the participants dispersed, they carried with them not just medals, but a responsibility to make Uttarakhand’s roads safer and its future greener.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why did CM Dhami flag off the marathon in Dehradun?
The marathon was flagged off to conclude the National Road Safety Month and to instill a sense of collective responsibility among citizens regarding traffic rules and environmental conservation. It is a direct public engagement initiative to combat rising road accidents .
Q2. How long was the marathon run?
The marathon was a 5-kilometre run, starting from Cantt Road in Dehradun .
Q3. Has there been any improvement in road safety in Dehradun due to these efforts?
Yes. According to official data from the RTO, Dehradun district has witnessed approximately a 12% reduction in road accidents due to the ongoing safety campaigns .
Q4. What is a “Road Safety Friend”?
CM Dhami urged the youth to become “Road Safety Friends.” This is a citizen-led initiative where individuals take it upon themselves to spread awareness about traffic regulations within their local communities and help enforce safety norms socially .
Q5. How does this event connect to the “Green Future”?
The event was named the “Road Safety and Green Earth Marathon.” The CM emphasized that road safety and environmental protection go hand in hand. He urged participants to also focus on reducing pollution and maintaining cleanliness, linking personal safety with ecological sustainability .
Digiparvat – Your trusted source for the latest Uttarakhand news, technology updates, and digital culture. Stay tuned for more stories from the hills.
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