Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has directed state authorities to ramp up enforcement and repair damaged highways following a notable decrease in mineral-laden trucks traveling toward Dawki. A division bench, led by Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh, issued the order after reviewing a report on the impact of previous transportation regulations.
A site inspection conducted on May 14 revealed that truck traffic on the Dawki-Tamabil and Dawki-Amlarem-Jowai routes plummeted from an average of 350 vehicles daily to just 25 following the court's April 21 interim order. Amicus Curiae Philemon Nongbri noted a positive rippling effect at the ground level, stating that the number of trucks crossing the border had dropped drastically. The report also confirmed that most vehicles currently operating are now compliant with registration requirements.
Despite these improvements, the court raised concerns over poor road conditions and the absence of police personnel along key stretches of the highway. Investigators reported deep potholes and long queues that frequently force smaller vehicles into oncoming traffic, creating significant accident risks. Furthermore, officials highlighted a lack of proper signage at routes leading to limestone quarries, which complicates efforts to track mineral origins.
The Transport Department reported that it inspected over 29,000 vehicles across 12 districts between mid-April and late May to verify insurance, permits, and fitness certificates. Authorities confirmed that non-compliant vehicles were seized and thousands of pounds in penalties were collected. The court has now ordered the deployment of additional police and transport personnel to the Amjeha weighbridge and the Dawki Land Port within three weeks. Additionally, the Directorate of Mineral Resources and the Forest Department must now install official signage at all licensed quarry sites to ensure transparent mineral sourcing.
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