Drivers at the Srinagar Municipal Corporation are refusing to use 115 vehicles meant for transportation of garbage that are without any valid documents.
The SMC has 270 vehicles for collecting garbage from aroundthe capital city and transporting to designating dumping sites.
These vehicles include hoopers, compressors, twin dumpers,slow water vehicles, tippers and compactors.
“Out of these 270vehicles, 115 are without fitness certificate and insurance. Why should wedrive them? In case of any road accident, we will be in trouble as law will notaccept any excuse from us,” said one driver from a group, wishing not to benamed fearing reprisal from authorities responsible for the necessary papers.
Srinagar city has a population of 1.4 million and producesup to 450 metric tons of waste every day.
Recently, the aggrieved drivers observed a token strike thatresulted in heaps of uncollected garbage lying in various interior areas ofSrinagar.
“The drivers are demanding renewing of documents first.However, no strike call was given by our association. Though we support theirdemand and urge authorities to fulfill it without any further delay,” saidFayaz Ahmad, President Municipal Transport Association.
Areas affected due to the ‘strike’ by 115 vehicle driversalso included Sanat Nagar, Ralwalpora, Hyderpora, Chanapora and its adjacentuptown areas.
A group of drivers on strike said that a few road accidentsoccurred in the past involving the vehicles without documents.
“Later, in court, our colleagues had to face wrath of law asthey were not having valid fitness certificate and insurance. Therefore, wedemand we must be in possession of all valid documents when we ply on roads,”one among the drivers said. Fayaz Ahmad,President Municipal Transport Association, said the issue has been taken withauthorities through a written representation.
“The demand is genuine. Our all drivers must have all validdocuments when they ply to perform official duties. In absence of any validdocument, concerned authorities can penalise us. And the worst is, in case ofany road accidents our driver will be held liable for plying without validdocuments,” Ahmad said. SMC transport officer Ghulam Muhammad said the issuehas been resolved. “The garbage was lifted now from all municipalareas,” he said.
SMC commissioner Khurshid Ahmad Sanaie said all agitatingdrivers have resumed work as authorities assured them that documents will bemade available shortly.