Newmai News Network
SHILLONG, JanUARY 18
The use of the Songsak-Mendipathar road in East and North Garo Hills by coal trucks has forced two NGOs of Rongjeng to voice protest against the same on Saturday. The trucks which ply along the route mainly at night are alleged to be in complete violation of the guidelines set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and both NGOs have sought the immediate intervention of the District Administration into the matter.The All Achik Youth Forum (AAYF), Rongjeng unit along with the NH62 Save Mission Committee also alleged that the trucks are using the route without the necessary forms, after they set off from both West Khasi Hills (WKH) and South Garo Hills (SGH).
“These trucks are being illegally diverted from the Darugre tri-junction in East Garo Hills (EGH) towards Songsak-Mendipathar where they don’t have to pay any form of taxes and don’t even carry papers to transport the coal,” alleged the general secretary of the Rongjeng unit of AAYF, Sengkimbirth Momin.
“They are doing this to avoid the Dainadubi check post where their crime will be discovered. This has resulted in a huge loss of revenue due to the government”, said the general secretary of the NH62 Save Mission Committee, Chengsal Momin.
“Some of these trucks are coming from Nongalbibra and Jadi in SGH in direct contravention of the NGT orders, as transportation is yet to be allowed from the district”, said Chengsal.
“There is a police outpost in Songsak Dagal.
However seemingly nothing is being done to stop the illegal movement. Moreover, some local goons have been taking advantage of the situation and collecting money from these coal trucks, even inviting school and college going students to participate in such collection activities”, further alleged Sengkimbirth.
Stating that the many timber bridges along the route cannot bear the weight of such over loaded trucks, the two NGOs sought the immediate intervention of the concerned authorities in the matter.
