Hoshiarpur/ September 30 /Daljeet Ajnoha
— Following a meeting between the Punjab police administration and the Vatavaran Bachao, Lok Bachao Sangharsh Committee, an agreement has been reached to prohibit the movement of tippers carrying mining material from Himachal Pradesh between 7 am and 7 pm on the Garhshankar–Nangal and Mahilpur–Jaijon Doaba roads, as well as other routes in the area. Consequently, the committee has put on hold its proposed foot march scheduled for October 5.
Agreement reached at Kokowal Mazhari rest house
The consensus emerged during a meeting held at the Kokowal Mazhari rest house, where representatives of the struggle committee and senior police officials discussed long-standing concerns over unchecked tipper traffic, overloading, and road safety.
Police officials present included DSP Kamaljit Singh (Hoshiarpur), Inspector Gurpreet Singh (in-charge, CIA), Inspector Gagandeep Singh Sekhon (SHO, Garhshankar), and Chowki In-charge Shairin Chechi.
Key terms of the agreement
Daytime ban on tippers: In line with the Deputy Commissioner’s orders, no tippers will be allowed to operate between 7 am and 7 pm.
Extension to other roads: The daytime restriction will also apply to other roads in the area, including Garhshankar–Nangal Road, Nainwan Road, Haibowal Road, Bathri Road, and Mahindwani Road.
Action against violations: Police assured strict action against tippers plying without number plates, valid licences, or requisite documents, as well as those found overloading.
Safety concerns and past incidents highlighted
During the talks, the struggle committee underscored the frequency of accidents involving tippers in the region, stressing that unrestricted daytime movement has repeatedly endangered lives and property.
Members cited a previously registered case in Mahindwani and demanded that existing regulations be enforced rigorously to prevent further mishaps.
October 5 foot march called off—for now
The Vatavaran Bachao, Lok Bachao Sangharsh Committee had earlier announced a foot march from Adda Jhungian (Binewal) to the SDM office in Garhshankar on October 5 to protest alleged violations of tipper regulations.
Following the police assurances, the committee has temporarily suspended the protest but warned that it reserves the right to resume agitation if the agreed-upon measures are not implemented.
Committee members present
The struggle committee delegation included Ajayeb Singh Boparai, former sarpanches Devinder Rana, Surender Pal, and Kulbhushan Kumar, Master Pawan Sharma, Sarpanch Paramjit Singh Garhimansowal, Panch Sushinder Rana, Bindu Bhumbla, Ramji Das Chauhan, Kamal Kataria, Sanjeev Kumar, former Sarpanch Captain Bakshish Singh, Teerath Singh Maan, Guljinder Singh, Mohan Lal, Mani Bilaron, Ram Pal Bharadwaj (Mahilpur), among others
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