Now, plant a tree for violating traffic rules

Hyderabad : In a unique initiative, traffic violators in Indian state of Telangana will have to plant a tree for breaking rules. This is in addition to the fines and punishments applicable.

The idea is the brainchild of Mahbubnagar SP Rema Rajeshwari. Under this rule, which has been in force for the past couple of weeks, 2,765 violators have planted saplings.

The traffic police are targeting to get 1 million saplings planted at various places like police stations, residential quarters, offices and commercial places.

"Mahbubnagar district has the highest number of accident prone zones across the country and it is also one among the areas with the highest number of road accidents leading to death or injuries," Livemint quoted Rema Rajeshwari saying.

"This is community service by offenders. But this is in addition to fines and punishment which they will face. This drive is also a way of the police department to contribute in 'Telangana Ku Haritha Haaram' which is Telangana government's initiative to increase the present 24% tree cover in the state to 33% of the total geographical area of the state."

Interestingly, the rule has been extended also to criminals and ex-convicts as a reformative policy.

"We hope that such positive reintegration programmes will help criminals to join the mainstream when factors predisposing drive a person to criminal behaviour is addressed in a holistic fashion and the social acceptance needs are met. Our efforts have already started giving results as many violators are returning to water the saplings planted by them," she added.