The protest was led by social worker Dattaraj Gauns Dessai, who said the trucks have been using narrow internal village roads in large numbers, putting motorists, pedestrians and residents at serious risk.
Speaking during the protest, Dessai questioned how permissions were granted for heavy vehicles to use roads that were not designed for such traffic. “We are seeing frequent accidents and traffic problems because of these soil-laden trucks passing through our village roads. The authorities must explain on what basis these vehicles have been allowed on these narrow roads,” he said.
He also alleged possible irregularities in the execution of the project for which the trucks are being used. “There are serious doubts about how this project has been awarded. We will file an RTI to get all the relevant documents and expose the truth,” Dessai said.
“Development cannot come at the cost of people’s lives. The concerned departments must immediately regulate the movement of these trucks and take steps to prevent further accidents. If our demands are ignored, we will be forced to intensify our protest,” he warned.
Residents said that unless immediate action is taken, the movement of heavy vehicles through the village will continue to pose a major safety risk.
