SHILLONG: The coal miners have sought the intervention of the government to facilitate the movement of the trucks in transit in Garo Hills.
A delegation of the Nongalbibra Joint Action Committee, South Garo Hills led by its president Santosh R Marak along with the Chairman of the Sate Coal Miners’ Forum called on the Chief Secretary Y.Tsering on Thursday to submit a petition pertaining to the loaded coal trucks stranded on highways and roadsides in Garo Hills prior to the Supreme Court order of January 15.
The order specifically mentions about not allowing the transportation of the extracted coal but the court had observed that it did not stop trucks in transit with valid documents.
However, the trucks are still stuck with no proper direction for their movement inspite of the government notifications to allow those trucks to proceed to their destinations”, the delegation said. In the petition submitted to the chief secretary, a list of coal loaded trucks which were in transit to their respective destinations prior to the January 15 order was enclosed.
According to the delegation, the chief secretary assured necessary action.
During the last hearing on January 28, the Supreme Court had allowed the movement of coal-laden trucks in transit. However, there were many coal-laden trucks which were in transit after obtaining challans.
The State Coordination Committee of Coal Owners and Mine Dealers Forum filed an appeal to facilitate the movement of coal-laden trucks which were already on the road. The court allowed transportation and fixed the matter for hearing on February 19.
