John Wilbert
Port Blair, August 09: The Brichgunj area finds itself in the midst of a safety predicament as residents raise alarm over the presence of heavy quarry trucks on the village’s roads. Demanding an immediate ban on such vehicles, the villagers’ apprehensions have been fueled by recent protests, including one on March 13, 2023, triggered by the tragic demise of an eight-year-old schoolgirl who was allegedly hit by a truck.
Seeking the suspension of all six and ten-wheeler trucks on the village road, Brichgunj residents point to a series of recent major accidents involving these laden trucks carrying quarry materials. The residents are adamant that alternative routes be assigned for such vehicles, particularly via Corbyn’s area, as stipulated by official directives. In response to the March 13 incident, the Superintendent of Police Traffic wrote to the Deputy Commissioner South Andaman, urging the establishment of an alternate route for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) bound for Brichgunj quarry. The letter further recommends the prohibition of HGVs from using the main route connecting Brichgunj Junction to Brichgunj Village, owing to its residential nature and proximity to schools.
In line with these concerns, the Deputy Commissioner South Andaman had issued a notice restricting truck traffic on the Brichgunj road. The directive mandates all trucks to take an alternative path via Brookshabad towards Corbyn Chowk, a route that connects to the PBMC dumping yard along the seashore.
Mr. Rajesh Ram, the Ward Councilor of Brichgunj, highlighted the escalating issue, noting that heavy truck traffic has surged in the area over the past ten days. Expressing profound concern over road safety, he warned that if the situation persists, the villagers are poised to stage a mass protest against the administration.
The tragic incident that occurred in Brichgunj recently has brought to the forefront the pressing need to address the challenge of heavy truck traffic on residential roads. The residents’ demand for safer roadways resonates particularly for school-going minors, underlining the necessity to ensure their well-being during daily commutes.
