The illegal refilling of lPG cylinders in the main market along the highway in lalkuan continues to pose a danger here. Some shopkeepers, frustrated with the failure of the authorities to prevent such anomalies, have put up signs stating ‘illegal gas filling area’ in places where this practice continues unabated. They complain that there have been incidents of fire resulting from illegal refilling of gas cylinders many times in the past but the authorities appear to be waiting for some major mishap to take place.
This highway is used by trucks transporting gas daily to the cooking gas bulk plant and scores of tankers are transport to the Indian Oil depot which is also nearby. Inspite of the volatile nature of the commodity being transported through this road, the authorities have continued to ignore the illegal refilling of gas cylinders in the market area here. Those who run shops near sites used for this illegal activity say that this blatant crime also creates the risk of fire.
They complain that in spite of having complained repeatedly to the authorities, the officials are yet to initiate any action in this regard which has made those involved in the illegal refilling of lPG cylinders more confident.
The traders further point out that the gas agency owner is abetting those involved in the illegal activities. Shopkeepers Ramesh Pathak and Anil Melkani state that the traders will be forced to undertake agitation if immediate action is not taken to clamp down on this activity. Meanwhile, the Tehsildar Anand Singh Bhandari said that the administration will work in cooperation with the Food and Civil Supplies department and take stringent action against those refilling gas cylinders illegally. The Kotwal Vipin Chandra Pant said that he should be informed about such activities by the public which will result in immediate action against those violating the law who will be arrested.
The sub divisional magistrate Harvir Singh said that the gas agency owner will also face strict legal action if found involved in the illegal gas refilling business. Action will also be taken against the shop owner or any other commercial unit if a gas cylinder is found to be in use without necessary safety arrangements.