Transportation of sand, construction material: Odisha tightens enforcement

The State Transport Authority (STA), Odisha, has issued directions to all transport enforcement officials to further tighten checks on the transportation of sand and uncovered construction materials. 

As per the instructions, transportation of such materials will not be allowed in cases of overloading or without proper covering.

The STA has specifically directed officials to carry out checks at loading points to ensure compliance with the rules. Strict action has been ordered against violators found flouting the norms.

In this connection, the STA has also written to the Director of Minor Minerals, urging coordinated action. The letter also emphasises the need to take necessary measures to ensure safe and regulated transportation of construction materials.

"The Hon'ble Courts, including the Hon'ble High Court of Orissa, have repeatedly emphasized strict regulation and monitoring of sand transportation, holding that unsafe transportation and spillage of sand on public roads pose a grave threat to public safety. Further, the Hon'ble Courts have underscored the responsibility of authorities to ensure preventive enforcement at the source, i.e., sand ghats and loading points. In this context, attention is invited to the statutory provisions, which clearly mandate the prevention of unsafe sand transportation," read the notification issued by STA.

"Rule 1388 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 mandates that "where goods are carried in an open body vehicle, such goods shall be covered with a tarpaulin or any other suitable covering", making uncovered sand transportation illegal and unsafe. Sections 21 & 23 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act,1957, read with the Odisha Minor Minerals Concession Rules (OMMC Rules), empower the State authorities to regulate, control, and impose conditions on the extraction and transportation of minor minerals, including sand. Conditions of sand quarry leases/permissions inherently require compliance with all applicable laws relating to public safety, environment and transport, violation of which attracts penal and administrative action including suspension/cancellation of lease," the notification further read.

Also Read: Transport Commissioner warns agencies over sand-induced road accidents in Odisha

"In the interest of road safety and accident prevention, you are requested to issue immediate instructions to all District Mining Officers, quarry/ghat operators and lease holders under your administrative control to ensure mandatory measures like- No vehicle shall be permitted to exit any sand ghat/quarry/loading point unless the sand load is fully covered and securely tied with tarpaulin/HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) cover on all sides. Loading supervisors/ghat staff shall be made personally responsible for ensuring compliance before gate-out. A simple "Cover Before Exit" checklist may be introduced and maintained at each sand loading point. CCTV cameras, wherever available, shall capture gate-out images/videos clearly showing the covered and secured condition of the vehicle load. stringent action under applicable provisions of OMMC Rules and MMDR Act may be initiated for repeated non-compliance by any sand ghat, quarry or lessee, including suspension of operations, cancellation of lease/permission and intimation to District Collector for further action," it added.