Sand being collected and transported from Kathajodi riverbed. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Jan. 2: Police have decided to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles, particularly those engaged in transportation of sand, within the city.

Officials said the move was aimed at providing respite to commuters facing lot of inconvenience, particularly on the Ring Road.

The latest police notification restricts trucks, tractors and other vehicles from transporting sand collected from the Kathajodi riverbed through the city between 6am to 12 noon and from 3pm to 6pm, said a senior police official. The restriction will be applicable to all the vehicles engaged in sand transportation from CDA Sector 11 to Khannagar via Belleview crossing and Manimandir crossing on the Ring Road.

Last month, this issue was raised at the traffic management committee meeting. Sand spilt on roads also made them accident-prone.

Senior police officials said regular checks were being carried out and the violators fined. However, a complete check was not possible. Hence, it was subsequently decided to issue a public notice regarding the restriction on movement and plying of such vehicles carrying sand during peak hours. Sand is lifted from three major points at CDA Sector 11, 7 and Khannagar. Hundreds of vehicles, including tractors and trucks, are engaged in transporting them to various parts of the story.

“The stretch from CDA Sector 11 to Belleview has become accident-prone because of the huge deposits of sand on both sides of the road,” said Kedar Sahu, a resident of Markatnagar. He added that three or four accidents occurred on this stretch every week.

“We have decided to initiate stern action against those not abiding by the restriction and fine ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 will be collected from the violators,” said assistance commissioner of police (traffic) Pramod Rath.

A special team has been constituted for the enforcing this rule and traffic constables and home guards have been asked to take action against the violators.

Rath said that all vehicle owners engaged in transportation of sand have been asked to ensure that it was done in a systematic manner.

An official said vehicles had been asked to use polythene sheets to avoid the spilling of sand on roads.