A conglomerate of five organisations in Garo Hills has sought restrictions to be imposed on entry of heavy trucks to and from Tura and its adjoining areas to prevent accidents.
The organisations comprising of the Garo Students Union, Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People, Achik Youth Welfare Organisation, Association for Democracy and Empowerment and Federation of Achik Freedom.
In a letter to West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani the organisations said frequent road mishaps involving heavy trucks particularly dumper trucks is alarming and needs to be addressed at the earliest.
The demand came after two siblings were left severely injured when a truck hit them at Tura Ballongre on April 20. “Many are of the opinion that the timing for the entry of these heavy trucks needs to be deliberated upon and certain mechanisms for its regulation should be put in place. Many right thinking citizens of Tura expressed their concerned about the repeated instances of accidents on a regular basis, which has consequently led to the loss of many precious lives,” leaders of the organisation said.
They suggested the district administration to come up with a plan of action similar to the past orders where trucks were restricted from entering Tura town and its adjoining areas from 7am to 7pm.
They also suggested that medical expenses to be borne by the authorities and certain amount of compensation should be given to the accident victims and their families.
The organisations also suggested setting up of stoppage points at Darengre for trucks coming from Baghmara, Dalu, Chokpot, at Rongram for those coming from Paikan,Krishnai, North Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, and for trucks coming from Mankachar, Phulbari, South West Garo Hills at Damalgre.
They also called for strict regulations on over-speeding and overloading of trucks.
