Exporters flag ‘illegal’ collections at EKH weighbridges, want CBI probe

SHILLONG, Aug 18: A group of exporters on Sunday called for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or another independent agency, such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), into alleged illegal collections at weighbridges operated by the Transport department in the Shella-Bholaganj C&RD Block, East Khasi Hills.
These exporters, who export limestone to Bangladesh, accused the operators of two specific weighbridges — located before Umdud Bridge and at Lailad, Umdud — of illegally allowing trucks carrying up to 12 metric tonne of limestone to pass without proper scrutiny. The exporters allege that these actions are causing significant revenue losses to the state government, particularly from limestone exports passing through the Land Custom Station (LCS) at Majai.
They further claimed that the weighbridges are being misused to benefit a select few, including some officials within the Transport Department. This alleged corruption, they argue, is at the expense of public funds and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the road conditions in the area have deteriorated significantly.
The roads connecting Sohbar, Tharia, and Majai via the Umdud bridge, as well as the road from Lailad, Umdud to Zero Point, are in a dire state due to the passage of overloaded trucks. The roads were recently repaired by Hima Sohra, but have since been damaged again by the combination of heavy truck traffic and relentless monsoon rains.
During an inspection on Saturday, the Myntris of Hima Sohra observed the poor condition of these roads. One of the Myntris, Majaw, revealed that Hima Sohra spends Rs 5 lakh every month on road repairs.
However, the current financial situation is bleak. “We do not have any funds at present to repair the road since the collection of toll by Hima Sohra has been stopped by the district administration,” he said.