Assam: Tipong township residents face pollution caused by vehicles carrying alleged illegal coal

Residents of the Tipong township in Assam's Margherita sub-division are facing a severe pollution problems as scores of vehicles carrying alleged illegally mined coal are leaving behind a trial of dust and noise, making life difficult for the locals. 

Residents allege that about a thousand vehicles carrying illegal coal from the shut down Tipong Colliery are passing through the town almost 24 hours of the day, causing severe noise and dust pollution in the process. 

Residents are alleging that around a thousand vehicles, most of which consist of 4x4 max pick up vehicles, pass through the township road making it difficult for the locals to commute as most of these vehicles pass by at great speed and also cause dust and noise pollution which is taking a toll on the health of locals. 

Locals are also alleging that the movement of these vehicles are being facilitated by the Lalpahar Village Development Council charge Rs 300 from every 4×4 max pick up vehicles. 

As a result, the constant passing of vehicles even during late in the night is causing nuisance for the locals as a lot of noise and commotion is created by the passing vehicles. 

"There is a lot of movement here. Lots of children go to school via this road. Vehicles move at such a high rate that is is a big problem. Vehicles come in from Mancachar, Margherita, Tinsukia, then there are also local vehicles. So much movement of vehicles create a lot of nuisance for the locals, mainly because of dust and noise," said a local resident.

The local resident has also said that they have raised the matter with the Lalpahar Village Development Council to stop letting the passage of these vehicles. 

"We have told the Lalpahar committee to stop their practice of charging Rs 300 from each pickup truck. They say they are a development committee. Only they know what they are developing. On a daily basis around a thousand vehicles pass by here. This road is from the British era, till date it has not been developed. The Tipong Colliery may be shut. But illegal coal mining still persists," said the resident. 

Another resident of Tipong township also complained of the nuisance created by the large number of vehicles carrying illegally mined coal. 

"A lot of problem is being caused because of the dust and noise daily. People, especially children, find it difficult to go to school. So many vehicles pass by, someone should regulate the movement. These vehicles carry coal. And because of that a lot of dust is blown when the vehicles pass by. So much dust can cause diseases here," said another resident.