Overloaded trucks plying unabated in Gurugram

GURUGRAM: A host of factors have resulted in Gurugram topping the list of most polluted cities in the National Capital Region. The large number of illegal trucks often overloaded with construction materials, which cause dust pollution, is among these.

Despite tall claims by the district administration, such trucks continue to ply unabated. What makes matters worse is the diesel used by these vehicles which releases poisonous gases in the air.

The issue was also raised during an EPCA meeting, where it was pointed out how overloaded trucks are not only risky for other commuters but also are deteriorating the city’s air. According to official estimates, two out of three fatal accidents involve heavy vehicles.

Numerous such trucks can be seen at the Delhi-jaipur highway, Gurugram-faridabad Road, Old Delhi Road, and Sohna Road.

Many such trucks also openly operate illegally and ply without number plates, and used for smuggling sand and stones from the Aravallis.

Such is the abundance of overloaded trucks and illegal commercial vehicles in Gurugram that in just a month, the regional transport authority accrued fines of over Rs one crores from these vehicles.

Though action is regularly taken against such vehicles, the stronghold and influence of the mafia ensures that they return to the roads after some time.

In addition to pollution and road mishaps, massive traffic jams is another menace caused by these trucks.

To curb this issue, Civil Lines, a VIP area in the city, has restricted the movement of heavy vehicles.