Overloaded and old vehicles flout traffic rules in Bajali

A CORRESPONDENT

PATHSALA: Overloaded vehicles including the old ones carrying bamboo, sand, boiler chicken, cattle, pigs and other raw materials, have become a cause of concern for commuters in Bajali. Locals alleged that the authorities concerned are not taking strict measures against the erring drivers who are openly flouting the traffic rules, and they are not even questioned by the transport department or the traffic police.

While speaking to the media, Hemanta Talukdar, central president of Hindu Parishad, said, "It has become difficult to drive on the road, especially when the heavily-loaded trucks, dumpers carrying bamboo and sand cross by." "Earlier, to prevent the rising level of pollution, the Transport Department had decided to put a ban on vehicles older than 15 years. However, there is no proper monitoring system to keep a check on the old vehicles, which are also causing a lot of pollution in the region," he added.

Talukdar also highlighted that overloaded trucks carrying goods and sand for construction work are causing heavy damage to internal link roads, which are being used to avoid tax barriers. Meanwhile, locals allege that many heavy vehicles also do not adhere to norms on pollution control, as black smoke emitted by them can cause serious respiratory problems for the public. A local resident said, "Although officials of the district transport office sometimes come to Pathsala to check bikers who do not wear helmets, they forget to check documents of overloaded and old dumpers and trucks."

"According to the Assam Vehicle Scrapping Policy 2022, vehicles over 15 years, damaged vehicles, vehicles without a fitness certificate, etc. should be scrapped through the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) in a scientific manner. It's a shame on the transport department that they have not been able to take concrete action," said another local resident.

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