Uttarakhand cops launch a unique way to fight women harassment in buses: Blow a Whistle

Dehradun, January 24: Uttarakhand women got a weapon to fight against harassment – a whistle. A whistle will act as an indication if any woman is harassed in the city buses. The Uttarakhand police on Monday launched a first of its kind initiative where whistles are being installed on city buses in Dehradun to facilitate “safe travel” for women passengers.

The initiative is named as ‘Project Awaaz’. Under this initiative, whistles are installed at each seat for women so that they can blow it immediately whenever they face any kind of harassment. Around 1800 whistles have been installed in 60 city buses with the stickers pasted notifying them to blow it anytime in any need.

This initiative was welcomed by many with appreciation stating that it will assure safety and security to the women in the hilly state while traveling. In November 2015, the Dehradun city bus association had introduced ‘women cabins’ or separate seating sections for women by installing an iron mesh partition inside the buses, but the move eventually fizzled out.

In November 2015, the Dehradun city bus association had introduced ‘women cabins’ or separate seating sections for women by installing an iron mesh partition inside the buses, but the move eventually fizzled out.

In case of any molestation, eve-teasing or any untoward incident, women/girls can raise their voice (Awaaz) by blowing up this whistle. The administration has promised to launch this project in other cities of Uttarakhand.