SHILLONG, Sep 22: Transport Minister Dasakhiatbha Lamare has stated that the department will examine reports of illegal toll gates operating on the national highways in the state and would remove them if their illegality is proved.
Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, Lamare said that the alleged presence of illegal toll gates on the national highways is a matter of concern for the department and the state. “We will tackle it. Give me some time. I will study the matter and if such toll gates are there, we will demolish them, and if they are not, it is well and good,” the minister said.
Earlier this year, lone Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator, Saleng Sangma, had highlighted the purported functioning of illegal check gates in the state, while maintaining that if unchecked, these would lead to corruption and anti-social activities in the state.
The MLA had earlier sought the removal of the then Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and demanded a CBI probe into the alleged illegal operation of weighbridges along National Highway-6 and action against those officials involved in the illegal activity.
As per reports, the Border Magistrate of Ri Bhoi had dismantled a toll gate that was set up by unknown persons from Assam along the disputed border at Umsohpah, Madan Umwang.
The area is populated by broom farmers and the toll gate was meant to extract ‘taxes’ from farmers, it is believed.
Meanwhile, Lamare who has just taken over the department also said that his priority and focus will be to increase the revenue of the Transport department as there is huge scope in the department
He also said that the department had performed exceedingly well in regards to revenue collection even during the pandemic.
