Bhopal, September 20 (Daily Kiran) : The Transport Awareness Support Committee, represented by lawyer Shadab Mohammad and union president Pawan Singh, has expressed serious concerns over the substantial environmental penalties imposed on dumper owners under the 2022 Mineral Rules.
Mohammad pointed out that mine leaseholders do not operate transport services themselves; they outsource this work to truck owners. When truck owners deliver materials to designated dump sites, they often face police intervention and fines. Although the fines are levied on the mines, it is the truck owners who ultimately bear the financial burden, as the mined goods do not belong to them.
He emphasized that mine operators are unlikely to pay these fines, putting truck owners in a precarious position where they must cover the costs to protect their livelihoods.
The lawyer criticized the arbitrary nature of the regulations, noting that such penalties did not exist prior to 2022 and that many states still do not impose similar fines. He described the current system as unfair, highlighting that truck owners are being hit with fines as high as four lakh rupees.
Mohammad further stated that if there were a legal avenue, such as an approach to the High Court or Supreme Court, they would pursue it. However, their primary demand is for the government to either remove or reduce these penalties. He urged the administration to engage with the committee to understand the difficulties faced by transporters and to establish a more reasonable penalty system.
Pawan Singh, the union president, echoed these sentiments, calling for the removal of the excessive fine of four lakh thirty thousand rupees being imposed without justification. He warned that if their demands are not met, they may resort to a strike in the future.
The transport union’s protests reflect a growing frustration with regulations they feel are disproportionately affecting their industry.
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