Shillong: The Meghalaya Opposition on Friday
demanded authorities to close down an illegal toll gate owned
by the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in East
Garo Hills bordering Assam for illegal collection of toll.
"We demand immediate closure of this illegal gate
which is continuing its operation in Wageassi as the lessee
has violated orders from the Autonomous District Council,"
Leader of Opposition Conrad K Sangma said.
A minimum of Rs 4 lakh is collected illegally by
issuing duplicate receipt books at this toll gate, he said.
Conrad, who is a member of the Assembly sub-committee
constituted last year to probe into illegal collection of toll
gates along the National Highways in the state, had also
seized the fake receipt book.
The sub-committee had inspected various toll gates in
the Garo Hills and encountered "mind-bogging corruption" at
these gates.
The demand to close down the Wageassi toll gate came
in the wake of the GHADC chief forest officer revealing that
the lessee had violated agreements and was even asked by the
GHADC to close down the gate after the latter failed to comply
with show cause notices served and defaulted in payment of
dues.
PTI
First Published: Friday, January 20, 2012, 17:17