Navi Mumbai: Following an incident where a large quantity of silt from Mumbai's desilting operations was accidentally spilled on the Sion-Panvel highway, causing major traffic disruption, an FIR has been registered. The spill occurred on the northbound carriageway near the Vashi toll plaza around 5:30 am on Saturday, leading to a three-hour traffic jam. Acting on a complaint from the Public Works Department (PWD), the Vashi police registered the case.
PWD Complaint and FIR Details
The PWD representative filed a complaint seeking action against the concerned BMC contractor, the dumper driver, and others involved. The Vashi police registered an FIR against unidentified accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for endangering life or personal safety and joint criminal liability.
Traffic Disruption and Safety Concerns
According to PWD officials, at least three to four vehicles skidded on the slippery stretch, causing significant traffic disruption. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The PWD complaint described the incident as an "extremely careless and illegal act" that endangered public safety and put motorists at risk. It emphasized the need to determine the liability of the dumper driver, vehicle owner, contractor, subcontractor, desilting agency, and responsible officials.
Legal Provisions Cited
The PWD complaint sought action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Bombay Highways Act, 1955, for negligent and dangerous driving, creating a public nuisance, obstructing traffic, and unauthorized dumping of material on a highway. The complaint also noted that the incident violated safety standards prescribed by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) and guidelines from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), which classify spillage of slippery material on roads as a serious safety hazard.
