DIFFICULT STRETCH: National Highway 4A which has turned a nightmare for drivers of small vehicles.

Belgaum: With none to check the increasing air pollution on Belgaum-Goa National Highway 4A passing through the Western Ghats, movement of cars and two-wheelers has been affected.

The poor visibility caused due to the emission from trucks transporting iron ore from Hospet to Goa makes it difficult for drivers of small vehicles to spot potholes on the road even during day.

The alternative road via Jamboti-Chorla is also not in good condition and many drivers prefer taking a circuitous route from Sawantwadi to reach Goa or Belgaum.

People invariably hold iron ore transporters, who operate multi-axle trucks, responsible for the condition of the road from the loading point in Hospet up to Castle Rock and Molem in Goa.

Government directive

The Government taking note of the public cry had directed the Transport Department to ensure that trucks carrying ore beyond 18 tonnes do not ply on the road.

Though the directive has been effective, a number of such trucks can still be seen plying on the road.

Officials in the Regional Transport Office, Belgaum, told The Hindu that 3,315 cases have been registered against ore transporters for overloading and a fine of Rs. 53.33 lakh has been collected from them at Ramnagar check-post in this financial year till March 29.

As many as 207 cases have been registered and Rs. 5.50 lakh collected as fine from transporters at the Khanapur check-post in the same period, they said. The transport officials are happy that the Government's directive on maximum loading has helped the department earn more revenue.

But the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has apparently been silent about the increasing air pollution. So is the case with the Forest Department.

Reloading sites

Sources in the KSPCB, on conditions of anonymity, said that many transporters have not even informed the board about forming dumping/reloading sites in the forests between Londa and Anmod.

Such sites can be spotted on the sides of rivers and small rivulets, often turning the colour of water into red. The case of the Pandari, which turns red every time there is rainfall, is glaring.

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