Shillong: Three civil society organizations have formally petitioned the Deputy Commissioner of East Garo Hills to address the rise of illegal coal transportation along National Highway 62. The Nengkhra units of the Garo Students’ Union, the Garoland State Movement Committee, and the A’chik Holistic Awakening Movement submitted the complaint following reports of nighttime smuggling operations.
According to the groups, trucks carrying coal from Nongalbibra toward Assam frequently bypass inspections by traveling under the cover of darkness. They allege these vehicles routinely exceed the 12-ton weight limit set by the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 and often lack the necessary legal documentation. The organizations argued that this activity causes significant infrastructure damage and government revenue loss.
The coalition emphasized that they support coal transport when it follows legal procedures and weight restrictions. Describing the impact of the current situation, the groups stated, “The illegal transportation is carried out regularly. These trucks pose a significant risk to public safety, damage roads, and cause environmental concerns as well as financial loss to the government.”
The organizations have urged the district administration to launch a formal investigation into the matter. Their recommendations include increasing night patrols and intensifying vehicle checks to ensure compliance with transport laws and improve road safety for the region.
Comments