Tura, April 29: In the aftermath of two major accidents taking place in Tura involving dumper trucks in which two persons were grievously injured, the West Garo Hills District administration on Monday issued certain restrictions on heavy vehicles plying in the Municipal area.
The issuance of the order by the district administration comes in the wake of a Sit-in demonstration staged by local organizations like the ADE, FKJGP, FAF, AYWO, GSU and the Garo Hills United Labour Union (GHULU), in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office on the same day.
“We earlier submitted a complaint to the Deputy Commissioner requesting that restrictions be put in place on heavy trucks entering the town area. Although, there was no response from their side till the staging of this protest, we are happy that the order has finally been issued,” President of the GSU, Zikku balgra N Marak said, after the protest.
As per the order, goods trucks carrying more than 9 MTs are completely barred from entering the town area at all times, except with the permission of the district administration while those carrying loads under 9 MT can only ply through the town area between 9 PM to 6 AM. However, government vehicles, those used for official government works, and tow trucks, public transport vehicles and other such essential vehicles are exempted from the order.
Meanwhile, the order also issued a directive to private vehicles and two wheelers to strictly adhere to traffic rules like wearing helmets and seat belts as well as a strong warning against drunk driving. All violators of these traffic rules are to faced stringent penalties and legal actions in accordance with the law.
According to the order, with regard to the demand for compensation to the victims, the Deputy Commissioner is to evaluate the performance and progress of the compensation of victims of Hit and Run Motor Accidents Scheme 2022 in pursuance of Section 161 of the MV Act for providing interim relief to the victims or their family. A ‘Claims Enquiry Officer’ is to be nominated and he along with the police shall make efforts to ensure that the person entitled to seek compensation shall file their claims.