Bicholim Deputy Collector Arvind Bugde has threatened to penalize ore transport operators if they violated rules while transporting mining ore from Tivim to Bicholim. The deputy collector warned the ore transport operators of strict action at a meeting on Thursday to resolve differences between the residents and transport operators, following complaints regarding ore transportation in the area. The meeting was convened after Bicholim Councillor Bhagwan Harmalkar and others had stopped mining trucks on Wednesday, after accusing them of overloading and speeding, thereby posing a serious threat to motorists and pedestrians. The agitators later allowed trucks to proceed only after the Malmatdar intervened in the matter and promised to convene a meeting. Those present at the meeting included Bicholim MLA, Rajesh Patnekar and BMC Councillor Satish Gaonkar. Confusion prevailed as soon as the meeting began, compelling the deputy collector to convene separate settings with the agitators and ore transport operators. The agitators demanded immediate stoppage of the transport plying from Bicholim, while Councillor Bhagwan Harmalkar accused authorities of negligence in performing their duties. Seeking to know the conditional order issued by the deputy collector's office regarding ore transportation, the people demanded that the company should build separate roads for the transportation of ore. The deputy collector also met the ore transport operators and sought an explanation for their failure to follow the rules while transporting ore. The transport operators claimed that the jetty at Shirsi could solve the problem and suggested that the mining company be asked to look into the matter. Following a demand from the agitators, the deputy collector directed the transport operators to submit details of the truck drivers within two days. Besides warning truck drivers to avoid overloading ore-laden trucks, the deputy collector also instructed the truck drivers to follow the rules while transporting ore in Bicholim taluka.