Meghalaya coal truck chaos on NH-6: JAC urges immediate government action

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 31, 2024

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Dong Namchiang has raised serious concerns over the illegal overloading of coal trucks that are undermining the safety and condition of National Highway-6 (NH-6) in East Jaintia Hills District in Meghalaya.

The villages under the JAC include Ratacherra, Dona Umbluh, Dona Skul, Umkiang, Lumphyllut, Lumsoski, Pyrtakuna, Borsara, Kuliang, Shymplong and Tongseng.

In a statement issued on December 30, the JAC highlighted how these overloaded trucks are causing significant damage to the road, which serves as a critical connection to Assam, parts of Manipur, Tripura, and Mizoram.

The JAC claims that this issue is a result of a blatant disregard for legal regulations, with no enforcement body actively addressing the overloading problem. The committee stressed that their main concern is not related to the coal business or any resentment towards individuals involved in the coal trade, but rather the grave safety risks posed to passengers due to these overloaded vehicles.

According to the JAC, the persistent overloading of coal trucks makes the roads hazardous, increasing the likelihood of accidents. They highlighted that if the trucks carry loads within the level of the truck’s body, it would avoid resistance, indicating a lack of proper regulation.

In an urgent call to the government, the JAC demanded immediate action to curb the illegal transportation of coal and prevent potential injuries or tragic incidents that could occur if an overloaded truck were to overturn. The committee warned that if the government does not take action against the illegal overloading of coal trucks, they would take matters into their own hands by apprehending those responsible and handing them over to law enforcement authorities.