PANJIM: Hundreds of truck and tipper operators from Goa, involved in transportation of construction materials like sand and basalt, have accused State government authorities of harassing them through illegal raids and fines, thus making the business nonviable and affecting their livelihood.
In a meeting held at Kadamba plateau on Wednesday, truck and tipper owners decided to form a joint union, to fight this illegal action. A special meeting has been called on September 24.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, truck owner Vishal Volvoikar said that RTO, traffic and Mines Department have been harassing trucks ferrying construction materials like sand, basalt, laterite, etc calling the consignment illegal.
“We are just transporters and not aware whether the material in our vehicle is legal or illegal. If the department like mines is aware that the material we transport is illegal, then why don’t they raid the extraction sites?” he questioned.
He said their vehicles are registered as goods carriers and they pay the required road tax, insurance and licencing fees to Transport Department.
Satyavan Naik, another truck owner said, “We have to pay fine at all the three levels. Our vehicles are also seized and cases are filed against us. But no action is initiated against those involved in sand extraction or those removing the material for construction purpose.”
