From Our Correspondent
Resubelpara, Dec 15: Social activist, Nilbath Ch Marak has questioned the delay in acting against an alleged illegal weighbridge that has been set up in the village of Wageasi in the district of North Garo Hills (NGH) despite a complaint being submitted by him close to a week ago.
Marak, who submitted a copy of complaint to both the Deputy Commissioner (DC) as well as the Superintendent of Police (SP), highlighted the reasons for his complaint against the weighbridge while pointing out that the same had no legal sanction to operate. “This is really frustrating. The law itself states that running a weighbridge to check trucks on the National Highway (NH) is out of the purview of the GHADC so why are they still biding time before the gate is shut. Further without the trucks even entering their weighbridge, the truckers are being charged Rs 2000 without any receipt. Is this not criminal in nature,” asked Nilbath.
Earlier, Nilbath in his complaint stated that the illegal collection from the weighbridge was an issue of serious concern and was affecting transporters, drivers, local traders and the general public. “After receiving repeated complaints from affected persons and personally verifying the situation through credible sources, I found that money was being collected illegally despite the payment of royalty and taxes to the state government,” he alleged. Marak asserted that as per law only the State Government or its authorized agencies such as Transport Department, DMR has the power to establish a weigh bridge and operate the same. The GHADC’s operation of a weigh bridge was a clear case of administrative overreach.
Reacting angrily this afternoon to the inaction of the district administration over an illegality that is apparent to everyone, Marak questioned the hesitancy to act on his complaint.
“Is the GHADC being given preference despite their weighbridge being illegal? If that is the case why does the administration allow me to operate in a similar manner? Collecting Rs 2000 per vehicle illegally, without a receipt for it, should not be restricted to only the Council. Open the gates for everyone then,” retorted Nilbath.
The activist asserted that he would not condone the inaction of the administration into the case and would approach the High Court to ensure the illegal weigh bridge is shut down for good.
“The matter should not have reached the Court and should have been easily solved by the administration but with them dragging their feet into the matter, makes me think there is some collusion between the parties. If that is the case, I have no other option than to approach the HC for its intervention,” stated Nilbath.
Meanwhile, upon being contacted on the issue, the DC of NGH, Abhishek Saini stated that an inquiry has been initiated though he was awaiting a report on the findings – almost a week after the complaint was made.
