Vehicle without RTO fitness or tax clearance in use for civic operations; officials silent on violation
A shocking case of negligence has come to light as the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) Anti-Encroachment Department was found using an “unfit” vehicle for its regular anti-encroachment drives. The vehicle, lacking a valid fitness certificate from the Regional Transport Office (RTO), continues to be deployed in official operations, in clear violation of road safety and transport laws.
The issue surfaced on Friday, when NMC’s demolition squad carried out an encroachment removal drive in Gittikhadan, using a vehicle registered as MH 31 DS 2616. Local residents, upon checking the vehicle details on the government’s online portal, discovered that it had been declared unfit since January 14, 2022, and its road tax has not been paid since 2017. Despite this, the vehicle has reportedly remained in regular use by the civic body for over three years.
Citizens have questioned how such an unfit vehicle could remain operational without oversight, calling it a serious lapse in administrative accountability. Experts warn that vehicles without valid fitness certification are prone to mechanical failures, posing a risk to both drivers and the public, especially during heavy-duty demolition work in congested areas.
When contacted, Assistant Commissioner Harish Raut did not respond to calls, while Assistant Superintendent Sanjay Kamble claimed he was engaged in official duties. Sources suggest that more unfit or non-compliant vehicles may still be in use for civic work, underscoring a pattern of negligence.
The episode highlights the urgent need for an audit of all NMC vehicles to ensure compliance with safety and transport norms.
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