Anand Vihar Bus Terminal, one of the busiest transit hubs in Delhi, witnesses the movement of thousands of passengers every day. Amidst this relentless activity, vulnerable children—lost, abandoned, or at risk of trafficking—often slip through the cracks unnoticed. However, an active network of vigilant stakeholders, including bus conductors, drivers, platform vendors, and security personnel, has been playing a crucial role in child safeguarding through increased awareness and proactive intervention.
The Role of Key Stakeholders in Child Protection
At any hour of the day, the bus terminal is abuzz with people catching buses, vendors serving refreshments, and staff ensuring smooth transit. But as night falls and scheduled departures cease, another crucial aspect of vigilance comes into play. Vendors remain stationed, continuing their business, while drivers and conductors take brief rests before the next day’s rush. These stakeholders, positioned at the heart of the station’s daily rhythm, have become the first line of defense in identifying and rescuing children in distress.
Regular sensitization programs and awareness campaigns have empowered them to recognize and report suspicious activities, particularly cases involving lost children, unaccompanied minors, and potential child trafficking. Their timely intervention has led to swift rescues and successful reunifications, preventing numerous potential tragedies.
A Keen Eye That Saved Two Lives
A remarkable example of stakeholder awareness comes from Mr. Kishan Kumar, Project Coordinator at Anand Vihar Bus Terminal, who narrates a compelling story of how a bus conductor’s vigilance helped rescue two young girls from trafficking.
“One day, a conductor who regularly operates from Anand Vihar approached me with a sense of urgency. ‘Bhaiyya, vo do bacchiyon ko dekh lo jara, unke saath wali aurat sahi nahi lag rahi.’ (Please take a look at those two girls, the woman accompanying them does not look right to me.)
The conductor had been observing them since they boarded the bus and grew increasingly suspicious of the woman’s behavior. As soon as they alighted, he rushed to inform our team. When we approached the trio, the woman fled, only to be caught later. The girls, frightened and confused, were rescued just in time. Further investigation revealed that the woman had a kidnapping case lodged against her, and the girls were indeed victims of a trafficking attempt.”
This case exemplifies how coupled with awareness, a keen eye and quick thinking can prevent heinous crimes and protect innocent lives.
Key Outcomes of Awareness Initiatives:
- Increased Reporting – More conductors, drivers, and vendors now report cases of lost or unaccompanied children to designated authorities.
- Rapid Interventions – Timely rescues have become more common, ensuring immediate protection for at-risk children.
- Strengthened Collaboration – The coordinated efforts between bus staff, security personnel, and NGOs have led to smoother, more effective interventions.
