Shillong – In a decisive move to curb perilous road conditions, district authorities in East Khasi Hills have clamped down on overloaded trucks, imposing an immediate and indefinite ban on mud and stone spillage across Shillong city. The directive, issued on Monday by District Magistrate Rosetta Mary Kurbah, underscores escalating safety concerns for both pedestrians and motorists navigating the region’s increasingly hazardous roads.
The emergency order, effective immediately, comes in response to the growing “grave danger” posed by debris-strewn roads, a situation significantly exacerbated by the ongoing monsoon rains. These seasonal downpours transform the accumulated mud and stones into treacherous, slippery surfaces, heightening the risk of accidents across the district.
Under the stringent new regulations, all trucks are now mandated to secure their cargo with tarpaulin sheets and ensure their wheels are thoroughly cleaned before departing from construction or mining sites. This measure is specifically aimed at heavy vehicles, which have been consistently leaving trails of hazardous debris on public roads, prompting widespread complaints from frustrated residents.
The official order explicitly states that “over-loaded trucks across the District cause spillage of mud and stones on roads leading to muddy and dusty roads,” further noting how the monsoon rains have compounded the issue by rendering roads “slippery and vulnerable to accidents and mishaps.” This enforcement action reflects a rising tide of public discontent regarding perilous driving conditions, particularly during the current wet season when accumulated debris makes roads even more treacherous.
Authorities have issued a stern warning that violations will lead to prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with additional charges possible based on the severity of the offence. The directive applies comprehensively to Shillong city and the wider East Khasi Hills district, areas that have witnessed considerable construction activity and a corresponding surge in heavy vehicle traffic in recent months. Local officials stressed the imperative nature of this measure, asserting that immediate intervention was crucial to avert potential accidents during the monsoon, a period when road visibility and traction are already severely compromised.