The State government has operationalised 23 weighbridges in the State. However, five weighbridges are yet to be installed with weigh-pads.
This was revealed in the report filed by the State government in the division bench of the Meghalaya High Court in connection with the PIL filed by social activist Tennydard M. Marak.
The government’s report also stated that in pursuance to previous directions of the High Court, weigh-pads would be installed within ten days of the filing of the report.
During today’s hearing on the matter, the High Court asked the State government about the reasons for delay to install the weigh-pads.
The government replied by saying that the supply orders for five sets of weigh-pads have not been issued yet.
“It is incomprehensible as to why, despite the indication in the report of July 19, 2023, steps have not yet been taken to install weigh-pads,” the court said.
Further, the High Court directed the government to install the weigh-pads within two weeks from today.
Moreover, the court allowed the petitioner to ascertain whether, and to what extent, the 23 weighbridges which are said to be operational are functioning.
“Hopefully, some of the weigh-pads would also have been installed by the time the matter appears next and both the petitioner and the State will indicate the places where such weigh-pads have been installed and the other weigh-pads are proposed to be installed,” the court added.
According to the High Court, the idea behind setting up of weighbridges is to ensure that the transportation of illegally-mined coal in overloaded trucks is stopped along with boulders being ferried beyond the load-bearing capacities of the National and the State highways.
“The State’s focus should be on such aspects, particularly now that in certain other areas, the State has been more proactive than in the previous 18 months to stop the illegal business of coal in the State,” the court said while listing the matter for hearing on August 23.
