In a significant step to protect students and reduce road accidents, the Majuli district administration in Assam has officially banned the movement of heavy vehicles during key school hours. The order, a direct response to growing public safety concerns, aims to create safer roads for children.
New Timings for the Heavy Vehicle Ban
The decisive order was issued by District Magistrate Ratul Chandra Pathak on Thursday. It leverages powers under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023. The ban specifically targets tractors and dumpers, prohibiting their movement during three crucial time slots when student traffic peaks.
The prohibited hours are:
- 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM (morning school arrival)
- 11:50 AM to 12:20 PM (mid-day movements)
- 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM (afternoon school departure)
This strategic scheduling is designed to physically separate large, slow-moving machinery from the dense flow of children, cyclists, and pedestrians commuting to and from educational institutions across the district.
Administration Cites "Utmost Importance" of Public Safety
In the official order, DM Ratul Chandra Pathak underscored the critical nature of this intervention. He stated that the safety and security of the public, especially the younger generation, is of "utmost importance." The administration explicitly warned that without regulating heavy vehicle traffic during these sensitive hours, the possibility of fatal casualties could not be ruled out.
"I am of the opinion that a prohibitory order is necessary to maintain greater safety and security of the public of Majuli district," Pathak said, justifying the immediate implementation of the rules.
Strict Enforcement and Legal Consequences
The order has taken immediate effect. To ensure compliance, the District Magistrate has directed the Majuli Superintendent of Police (SSP) to oversee its enforcement across all jurisdictions. Authorities have issued a stern warning to potential violators.
Any individual or vehicle owner found flouting the new restrictions will face severe legal repercussions. They will be liable for prosecution under Section 34(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, along with other applicable legal provisions. This strong punitive stance is intended to act as a major deterrent.
The move has been met with widespread approval from parents and school authorities in Majuli. For a long time, they have voiced their anxieties about the reckless movement of construction vehicles and tractors on the district's often narrow and congested roads, which posed a constant threat to children's safety.
This proactive measure by the Majuli district administration highlights a focused approach to tackling road safety by targeting a specific high-risk factor during clearly identified high-risk periods.
