The Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has passed an order asking the government to regulate the movement of iron ore lories in Uttara Kannada district. A copy of the order was released to the press here on Tuesday by petitioner Kishore Desai.
In its order, the SHRC has said that there was no end to the high-handed and illegal acts on the part of transporters of iron ore to Mangalore, Belekeri and Karwar ports on Hational Highway 63 and 95.
During the visit of KSHRC chairman S.R. Nayak to Uttara Kannada district in January, people complained about traffic congestion, pollution and rampant corruption on the part of the regulating authorities. It is high time the government took action against the erring transporters and officials and protected the rights of the ordinary people to have smooth access to the national highways, the commission has said.
ADVERTISEMENT
The commission said that the order passed by the Deputy Commissioner to regulate the number of lorries entering the harbours was not respected by the powerful transport lobby. It called upon the government to order an impartial enquiry into the grievances of the people and take action.
Otherwise, the people would lose their faith in the rule of the law and they were likely to resort to “self-help,” the commission warned. The commission has asked the Chief Secretary to take appropriate action and submit a report to the commission within two months.