Cachar admin restricts heavy vehicle movement on vulnerable embankments

way2barak, July 22: The Cachar District Administration has imposed an immediate restriction on the movement of heavy commercial vehicles over identified vulnerable embankment stretches under the Cachar Water Resources Division to prevent further damage during the ongoing monsoon season and minimise the risk of flooding.

The order issued by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) following a report submitted by the Executive Engineer, Cachar Water Resources Division which states that the continuous movement of commercial and private heavy vehicles over several vulnerable embankments has caused considerable structural stress. The report warned that further deterioration could increase the possibility of embankment breaches leading to flooding, disruption of essential services and damage to public and private property, besides posing a serious threat to public safety.

Acting under Section 34(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the District Administration has prohibited the movement of all heavy commercial vehicles, overloaded vehicles, sand-laden trucks, earth-filled dumpers and other heavy vehicles on the vulnerable embankment stretches listed in the official notification. The restriction has come into force with immediate effect and will remain in place until further orders.

Officials said the measure has been taken as a precautionary step to reduce pressure on embankments that remain vulnerable because of continuous rainfall and rising water levels during the monsoon. The administration has appealed to transport operators and vehicle owners to cooperate fully in the interest of public safety and disaster prevention.

The administration has cautioned that any violation of the order will invite action under the relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and other applicable laws.

The District Administration has urged residents and transport operators to extend their cooperation stating that restricting heavy vehicular movement over vulnerable embankments is an essential precaution to protect critical flood-control infrastructure and ensure the safety of people during the monsoon season.

This is stated in a press release issued by Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.