Transport commissioner refutes allegations of departmental negligence in Uttarkashi accident
Tuesday, 22 AUGUST 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Commenting on allegations that the Transport department allowed a bus driver to ply on the Char Dham circuit despite his poor driving record, which led to the death of seven people in Uttarkashi, the transport commissioner Arvind Singh Hyanki said that the necessary permits were granted to the bus as per the laws. He said that when the driver had applied for the required permits to operate, he had all the required documents only after which he was given permission. The driver was driving the bus that was carrying 36 people and fell into a gorge near Gangani on the Gangotri national highway in Uttarkashi in which seven pilgrims were killed and 28 others sustained injuries. The authorities have speculated that the driver possibly lost control of the bus that caused the accident but they are yet to ascertain the cause. However many pointed out the poor driving record of the driver and opined that the department’s negligence might have led to the accident. The bus used to be operated by two different drivers in the plains and mountainous areas. Both drivers were reportedly penalised at least five times within a year for violating various traffic and associated rules. Authorities imposed penalties three times in the plain areas and two times in mountainous areas. As per the reports, when the bus operator applied for a green card in April this year to operate on the Char Dham routes, the department approved his application even when he was not in possession of some crucial documents. Those were reportedly seized by the department earlier as part of imposing penalties for a violation under the Motor Vehicles Act. Many opined that if the department had taken strict measures against the rule-breakers, the accident in Uttarkashi could have been avoided on Sunday. However, the transport commissioner has called all these speculations and allegations baseless. Hyanki said that the bus operators had reportedly committed compound offences which are minor offences and after imposing a penalty under the MV Act, the department cannot stop the operation of the bus. Also, the seized documents can easily be released after the offender submits a penalty. “If enforcement agencies catch the operator on the route committing some serious offence or find a major irregularity in the operation of the bus, he can be booked as per the law and further action can be taken accordingly. No such violation was observed to be done by these operators. The department permitted the operation of the bus as per the provisions,” added Hyanki.
