MAWKYRWAT, July 5: Concerns over the destruction of roads and weak wooden bridges by heavy trucks in the Mawsynram area of East Khasi Hills district and the Ranikor area of South West Khasi Hills district have prompted the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) and the Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM) to act against the same.
Whilst the HNYF has banned the plying of heavy-loaded trucks in the Mawsynram area, the HANM has asked the state government to check the plying of overloaded trucks in the Ranikor Civil Subdivision.
Speaking to media persons after inspecting the Weiloi-Trongpleng-Umpung road, HNYF South Border Area president Kyllang Thongni highlighted the severe damage caused by trucks carrying coal, coke, sand and other materials. “It is very sad that at the end of the day, it is the general public who suffers,” Thongni stated.
Thongni also mentioned that this is the second time HNYF has requested the state government, through the PWD (Roads), to allocate funds for the repair of the Weiloi-Trongpleng-Umpung road, but to no avail.
In response, HNYF has blocked the road with a gate to prevent trucks from causing further damage. “This is the message that all trucks will not be allowed to pass through this road, and if they don’t listen, they will take the responsibility,” said Thongni.
Meanwhile, the HANM Ranikor Circle, after receiving complaints about the destruction of wooden bridges, inspected eight bridges between 18 Mile village and Photkroh village only to discern the worn-out condition of the bridges
HANM Ranikor Circle president Bruster Thongni noted that while the PWD (Roads) has signposted limits of less than 9 tonnes for these bridges, trucks do not adhere to these restrictions.
The HANM Ranikor Circle has urged the state government, through the district administration and the Police department, to take stern action against overloaded trucks.
It has also warned that if the administration fails to act, the HANM will be forced to take matters into its own hands.
