Joda: With an aim of maintaining transparency in transport sector, the government is going to make use of global positioning system (GPS) devices mandatory for heavy vehicles engaged in mineral transport in Keonjhar district from December, but transporters are in a state of consternation over its implementation.
These vehicles are supposed to install GPS devices by December 28, it was learnt.
“To track the movement of mineral-laden vehicles and check irregularities in the mining areas, GPS has been made mandatory for vehicles,” said director of mines department, Deepak Mohanty.
In the wake of this decision, truck owners of Joda area have become jittery in the backdrop of severe slump gripping the mining sector after exposure of the multi-crore mining scam.
According to some truck owners, their economic condition has already been passing through a lean phase due to slowdown in the mining sector. GPS will add an extra financial burden on them, they said. A GPS device will cost something around Rs 13,000.
The mines department has been initiating a slew of measures to bring in transparency in the sector. It has already introduced Integrated Mines Mineral Management system (i3Ms) for mine leaseholders. Now GPS installed in vehicles will track their movement and check possibility of mineral theft en route the destination while the transport department has issued a directive for mandatory use of speed governors to keep tabs on speed of vehicles.
Such new guidelines are said to be causing problems for truckers, it was learnt.
Joda Mining Area Truck Owners’ Association has dubbed the decision of GPS use as a heavy burden on them.
President of the association Ranjit Barik, vice-president Satyananda Karua, treasurer Babulal Sahu and truck owner Sohail Khan flayed the state government over this decision.
“Due to several statutory provisions and mining irregularities, scores of mines under Joda circle are lying closed. Its effect has left the transport business in a limbo while most of the 6000 odd truck and dumper owners affiliated to the association are deep in debt and fail to clear loans. Financial institutions have seized our trucks. We are living in a miserable condition,” they rued.
Spiraling prices of fuel, spare parts and tyres have already dented their sagging economy, they said. The decision for GPS use will further precipitate their problem, the association members added.
Deputy director of Joda mining circle Sushant Kumar Nayak said, “A notice about GPS use in vehicles has been issued. The decision will be executed soon after a circular is issued in this regard.” PNN
