By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 29: After a long wait, the scientific mining of coal has finally begun in the state, with trucks now transporting coal along the National Highway. However, a concerning trend has emerged—many of these trucks are not fully covering their loads with tarpaulin sheets, leading to dust pollution on the highways.
This issue has become a major nuisance for two-wheeler riders, as coal dust from uncovered trucks affects visibility and causes discomfort.
Given that air pollution can occur at various stages of mining operations—excavation, drilling, blasting, loading, and transportation—miners are required to ensure that all transportation trucks are fully covered with tarpaulin sheets to prevent dust and material spillage. Additionally, trucks must not be overloaded to avoid spillage during transit.
“A drive or a ride on Meghalaya’s highways should be as calming and relaxing as before, not like now, when dust from coal trucks enters our eyes and takes away the joy of the journey,” lamented a bike rider.