Biplab Kr Dey
Tura, Dec 16: Taking strong action against trucks from Bhutan that have been using the various roads in the state to export boulders to neighbouring Bangladesh, at least 15 trucks were detained by West Garo Hills police near the Assam – Meghalaya boundary in Rongsai under Tikrikilla PS after all of them came through carrying loads that were beyond permissible limits.
The action comes in the wake of complaints made by various sections of society over boulder trucks from the neighbouring country circumventing laws of India in the name of international trade. The trucks come with loads in excess of 40-50 MTs whereas the permissible limit is way under.
Earlier, trucks from Bhutan were allowed to use the AMPT road through Tikrikilla – Phulbari and beyond to continue the export of boulders into Bangladesh. However, despite repeated warnings from the administration as well as locals, the export continued with loads that were more than double of the permissible limits.
“There were trucks coming with loads in excess of 60-70 MTs whereas the permissible limit is only for a 3 axle truck (18 MT). They gave the excuse that there were a huge number of gates (legal and illegal) where they had to pay ‘tax’ and had to resort to overload to make up the losses. This continued for 3-4 months before their continued illegal act led to a bridge near Hallidayganj giving way,” said a resident of Phulbari.
The damage to the bridge led to export operations through AMPT road being completely stopped. However, recently the same was restarted with both the AMPT road as well as the Paikan – Tura – Dalu (NH – 51) being allowed to be used.
The problems started immediately after as the trucks once again began to violate traffic laws of India by carrying loads above permissible limits, this time even going through the town of Tura. A complaint by a resident to the police led to the trucks being stopped and sent back.
Yesterday, the trucks once again tried to use the AMPT road, where such illegal transport has generally gone under the radar to once again export. They were stopped by the police and detained near Rongsai and as per information received, will be sent back.
“They are bypassing all laws in the name of export and damaging our roads completely. AMPT is a state road maintained by NEC PWD and they are using 16-18 wheeler trucks (trailers) to move loads between Bhutan and Bangladesh. We don’t mind the export as it is an international agreement but these have to be done in adherence to Indian laws,” felt another Tikrikilla resident.
Talking on the issue, superintendent of police, WGH, Abraham T Sangma said that all OCs/ICs have been informed to ensure strict adherence to permissible weights.
“3 axle trucks have been allowed by the District Magistrate in the export boulders from Bhutan. We stopped the trucks near Rongsai as they carried overload. They are being sent back. We will ensure strict adherence to laws to lessen any type of complaints,” asserted the SP.
As per sources, these trucks were allegedly paying close to Rs 45,000 per truck to move through the two states of Assam and Meghalaya with many being beneficiaries that helped in ensuring the transit from Bhutan to Bangladesh, for these illegally plying boulder trailers, went hassle free.
