Team Herald
PONDA: The mining transportation of royalty-paid ore may have provided employment to truck owners, truck drivers and other mining dependents, however, the locals in the Usgao-Dharbandora mining belt feel that the ore transportation during monsoon is dangerous and fear that this will lead to accidents.
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Demanding control on the speed of trucks, they claimed that the drivers are often involved in overtaking dangerously to increase the number of trips.
They informed that earlier during the mining season, the ore transportation used to stop during monsoon.
They complained that several ore laden trucks are transporting ore from Dharbandora to the Usgao-Amona mining belt. Though there is gap maintained by trucks during transportation, the locals said during heavy rains on account of poor visibility it becomes difficult for other vehicles especially riders to give way. It has been raining heavily now and the monsoon will be at its peak in July.
They further complained that the truck drivers overtake dangerously on the slippery roads thereby putting the lives of two-wheeler riders at risk.
Chetan, who commutes on a two-wheeler from Mollem to Ponda, said the truck laden with ore is covered with plastic; however some of it spills on road and makes the road slippery.
Dharbandora resident Ankush Naik said, “This is first time mining has continued during the monsoon. Earlier, the ore transportation used to stop by May-end or in the first week of June. It is learnt that mining transportation will continue till July and this may make situation dangerous for riders. Though transportation is necessary, at the same time taking care of locals’ lives is also important.”
Few years ago, when mining was at its peak, several fatal accidents occurred in mining belt.
