Uncovered tippers source of nuisance in north Kashmir, SDM assures action

Baramulla, Sep 13: Tippers ferrying construction material uncovered have become a source of nuisance for the people in Pattan town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. These uncovered tippers pollute the atmosphere and also spoil roads.
Pertinently, there is a ban on tippers that ferry material uncovered, however, no action is being taken against the tipper drivers in this regard.
Locals from different parts of Pattan said that scores of tippers ply between Narbal and Singhpora ferrying loose material for the construction of Ring Road in Narbal. They said all these tippers ply uncovered and are continuous source of air pollution.
“One can see dust emanating from these uncovered tippers, making the atmosphere hazy. At different places, private vehicles plying on the roads are difficult to spot. It’s a serious problem and this also has become a source of road accidents. Yesterday, two young men lost their lives in the Singhpora Pattan area,” the locals said.
The locals added even immaculate uniforms of college-going students turn shabby and dirty due to the continuous dust coming out from the uncovered tippers.
“It is a serious issue and must be redressed on priority. Some diseases like chest problems are a result of air pollution. When material like sand and soil falls on roads, it later comes into contact with air due to the continuous movement of vehicles. Thus, commuters inhale all these pollutants,” they said adding that they are not against the development but there is a proper way to do everything.
When contacted, Sub Divisional Magistrate Pattan, Syed Faheem said that he in fact issued an order today in this regard banning the movement of uncovered tippers. “I assure you that stern action will be taken against the drivers who ply uncovered with loaded material,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Srinagar as well, tippers carrying construction materials are the main cause of pollution. It has been witnessed that even substances like bricks and mud fall from overloaded tippers making the rods muddy and dirty. [KNT]