Dibrugarh: Majuli district magistrate Srishti Singh on Saturday issued an order prohibiting the parking of harvesters, tractors, trailers and other heavy commercial vehicles on public roads, road margins and market areas across nine key locations in the district, citing growing concerns over traffic obstruction and public safety.Majuli, the world’s largest river island, sees heavy seasonal movement of agricultural vehicles such as tractors and trailers, particularly during sowing and harvesting periods, which often results in these vehicles being parked along narrow town roads for extended periods. Commuters previously raised concerns about bottlenecks and safety hazards caused by such parking in market areas, especially during peak hours.The order, issued under Section 122 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, comes in response to what officials describe as a pattern of unauthorised roadside parking that has disrupted the free flow of traffic in Majuli’s busiest commercial hubs.“In light of unauthorised roadside parking of harvesters, tractors, trailers and other heavy vehicles in various towns and market areas of Majuli District, causing obstruction to the free flow of traffic and posing a threat to public safety, the issue of a prohibitory order was felt necessary. This order has been promulgated to prevent accidents that may happen in the district,” the notification read.The ban applies to nine locations — Garmur, Balichapori, Majuli, Bongaon, Rangachahi, Phuloni, Jengraimukh, Nayabazar town areas, and Rawnapara area.Anyone violating the order will face action under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which deals with penalties for general traffic offences.With the order now in force, transport officials and police have begun enforcement, and residents and vehicle owners operating in the listed areas have been urged to make alternative parking arrangements to avoid penalties.
