JOWAI: Following rigorous checking to detect transportation of coal without proper challan and violations of the 9 metric tonne limit, the East Jaintia Hills District Executive Force on Wednesday night detained many coal laden trucks in the district.
While the police carried out checking at Rattacherra, trucks were stranded at Kuliang village as the drivers were apprehensive about crossing the police check point. The stranded trucks caused heavy traffic jam in the area thereby creating inconvenience for commuters along NH 44.
EJH district officials including the Superintendent of Police, S Thamar and the Magistrate along with officials from the Sales Tax Department and DMR rushed to the spot.
“As soon as they (truckers) saw us, they left their vehicles and fled away. It was only after we shouted that if they have proper transit challans they will be allowed to proceed, that some of them came forward to verify their documents,” the EJH SP said.
Meanwhile, the list of the overloaded trucks was not available with the SP who, till the filing of this report, was still awaiting an update from IC Umkiang, who was entrusted with the job.
Reliable sources, meanwhile, informed that many overloaded trucks were made to unload the excess quantity at Rattacherra weighbridge near Malidor.
“The police in West and East Jaintia Hills are monitoring any illegal transportation of coal round the clock,” sources further informed.
Meanwhile, Khliehriat legislator called up this correspondent to clarify that he had nothing to do with the illegal transportation of coal from East Jaintia Hills.
It may be mentioned that violation of the National Green Tribunal order on mining and transportation of coal is nothing new in the State with scores of such cases being reported on a frequent basis.
