Assam: Dumper owners stage road blockade in Tinsukia over additional forest department charges

Vehicular movement was disrupted on the Pengeree-Bordumsa Road in Assam's Tinsukia district on Monday, July 13, after the All Assam Dumper Owners Association staged a protest against what it described as the Forest Department's arbitrary tax collection policy.

The demonstration was held at Pengeree under the 83rd Margherita Legislative Assembly Constituency, with members of the association blocking the road and raising slogans against the Assam Forest Department.

According to the protesters, the Forest Department has introduced an additional levy of Rs 200 per cubic metre on dumper trucks entering Assam from neighbouring states while transporting stones and sand. The association alleged that the new charge has placed a significant financial burden on dumper owners and small traders engaged in the construction material business.

Members of the association claimed that the policy has adversely affected the livelihoods of transport operators and local businesses dependent on the movement of construction materials. Several local youths also joined the protest, expressing opposition to what they termed an anti-trader policy and demanding that the government withdraw the additional charge.

The protest led to traffic disruptions along the Pengeree-Bordumsa Road for a considerable period before normal movement was restored.

The All Assam Dumper Owners Association warned that it would intensify its agitation if the Forest Department does not revoke the additional levy. The association urged the Assam government to review the decision and address the concerns of transport operators and small traders at the earliest.

No immediate response from the Assam Forest Department was available regarding the allegations raised by the protesters.