Tinsukia: In response to a sharp rise in road accidents involving heavy vehicles, the Tinsukia District Administration has issued a stringent prohibitory order regulating the movement of dumpers, trucks and other goods-carrying vehicles transporting construction materials across the district.
The order, promulgated by District Magistrate Sumit Sattawan, IAS, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, has been issued in the interest of public safety, public order and the protection of human life. The administration noted that a significant number of recent serious and fatal accidents have involved vehicles carrying sand, stone chips, soil, coal, bricks and similar materials.
According to official findings, rampant overloading and the transportation of materials without proper covering have led to spillage on roads, reduced visibility and vehicle imbalance, turning several arterial routes into accident-prone zones. Under the order, all such vehicles have been directed to mandatorily cover their loads with tarpaulin or other suitable materials, while overloading beyond limits prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 has been strictly prohibited. Owners, drivers or persons in charge of vehicles will be held liable for violations.
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The Senior Superintendent of Police, Tinsukia and Sadiya, along with district and transport officials, have been instructed to strictly enforce the directives through regular inspections and legal action against violators.
The order has come into force with immediate effect and will remain operative until further notice. Observers view the move as a crucial step towards improving road safety and curbing illegal transportation activities, including concerns over environmental damage linked to unchecked coal movement in the district.
