NONGPOH: The Khasi Students’ Union Western Unit has slammed the government for failing to check illegal coal-laden trucks in Ri Bhoi.
Despite the district magistrate prohibiting coal trucks from using alternate routes, many trucks are plying through Mairang, Umrit and then reach NH-6 from Narang, 20 Mile, to avoid the Shangbangla weigh-bridge.
KSU president R Pator said everyday over 30 to 40 trucks are seen flouting the order, especially at night.
“The plying of trucks had also raised concerns over the weak bridge at Lailad and the plying of heavy vehicles can lead to an untoward incident,” he said and added that the condition of the western border road was also deteriorating because of the heavy vehicles.
The magistrate had, in the past, prohibited plying of coal-laden trucks on Nongpoh-Umden road via Byrnihat, Umsning-Jagiroad, Umrit-Umling road and Mairang-Ranibari road.
The union members met Deputy Commissioner CP Gotmare on Thursday and urged him and the police department to keep strong vigil on the western border area.
