Decision to phase out single-use plastics

CABINET DECISIONS

 Proposals to limit vehicular speed on roads

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The state cabinet proposed vehicular speed limits on various roads. It has sought views from the public on the proposals to finalize the speed limits.

The cabinet met today with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the chair. Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Minister Keshab Mahanta said, "Many people lose their lives because of vehicular speed in the state. We have studied the speed control laws of the Central government and other state governments. We have also prepared proposals on the maximum speed limits on the roads in the state. The public will express their views on the proposals for 15 days. The government will finalize the speed limits after getting public opinions.

"The proposed maximum speed limits are – (i) 100 km/hour in four-lane highways, 70 km/hour on PWD roads and 60 km/hour on roads in the municipal board areas for all non-transport motor vehicles; (ii) 80 km/hour on four-lane highways, 60 km/hour on PWD roads and 50 km/hour on roads in municipal areas for transport motor vehicles carrying up to eight passengers; (iii) 70 km/hour on four-lane roads, 60 km/hour on PWD roads and 40 km per hour on roads in municipal board areas for transport motor vehicle carrying nine or more passengers, (iv) 60 km/hour on four-lane roads, 50 km/hour on PWD roads and 40 km on roads in municipal areas for vehicles carrying goods; (v) 60 km/hour on four-lane roads, 50 km/hour on PWD roads and 50 km/hour on roads in municipal board areas; and (vi) 40 km per hour on four lane roads, PWD roads and roads in the municipal board areas for three-wheelers. Such speed limits will streamline traffic movement and minimize the risk of accidents.

"The Cabinet decided the plantation of ten saplings against the felling of one tree while constructing roads and flyovers. It will boost the conservation of the environment. The DFO concerned will identify the area for the plantation.

"In sync with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of phase-wise ban on the use of single-use plastic by the end of 2022, the cabinet constituted a committee of four departments – Industries, Revenue, Urban Development and Science & Technology and Climate Changes. The committee will prepare a comprehensive action to eliminate single-use plastic. It will also see viable alternatives for single-use plastic and alternative vocations for the state's small industries that produce single-use plastic. The government will finalize its decision on the alternatives after getting the report from the committee.

"The government allotted ten-bigha land to each of 44 indigenous self-help groups under Naduwar Revenue Circle in the Chakighat area around Jamugurihat. The government evicted 52 families from the area recently."

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister tweeted, "Protecting environment being a priority, we finalized an action plan to phase out single-use plastics and ensure compensatory afforestation at our weekly #Assam Cabinet. We also took decisions on fixing speed limits to reduce accidents, allotment of land to indigenous SHGs, etc."

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