Following public outrage over three deaths in the past two months by boulder trucks on their way or coming from the export hub of Dalu, the FKJGP, Garo Hills has written to the West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police seeking regulation of boulder trucks in order to ensure such accidents are not repeated.
In their letter to the SP, the FKJPG mentioned the three incidents, which led to the death of 5-year old Amsrang Sangma, Laksbat Sangma and another unidentified mentally challenged woman. All three accidents took place near Purakhasia on the SH – 12, the designated route for export of boulder trucks through Dalu.
“Hundreds of trucks carrying boulders move through the route every day. What is interesting is that the three accidents were caused by unloaded trucks returning from Dalu and were said to be driven very rashly. There are apprehensions that the drivers may be under the influence of alcohol,” said president, Pritam Arengh.
The NGO stated that it had a thorough discussion with various parties and offered suggestions on how such accidents could be minimized in the future.
“For vehicles plying through the route, a speed limit not exceeding 50 kms along SH – 12 should be applied. Further the proper monitoring of Drivers should be done at the Entry Exit Point of SH-12 (Garobada and Dalu) police stations for consumption of intoxicants,” he said.
Further the FKJGP suggested entry and exit timings for boulder ferrying trucks whereby the loaded and unloaded trucks entering and exiting both Garobada and Dalu be restricted from 5 am to 7 pm.
“We are suggesting this timing keeping in mind even the transit district of South West Garo Hills, whereby many similar incidents have occurred and also keeping in mind the vulnerable students’ community of both districts and their school and college hours,” said Pritam.
“Highways are constructed to enhance economic growth and not merely for general commuting. However, economic growth cannot prevail over the ‘Right to Life’ entitled to each individual under the Constitution of India. We don’t wish to disrupt the economic activities but ascertain that no innocent lives be lost at the cost of any economic activity,” he asserted.
