Bhopal, April 10: The Madhya Pradesh government has launched a stringent campaign against the black market and hoarding of LPG cylinders under the Essential Commodities Act.
In a recent operation, officials inspected 2,840 locations, seizing 3,961 LPG cylinders and filing 11 FIRs. Additionally, inspections were conducted at 734 petrol pumps, resulting in one FIR.
Additional Chief Secretary Rashmi Arun Shami has initiated a special campaign to provide piped natural gas (PNG) connections to 150,000 households and commercial establishments. These locations already have the necessary pipeline infrastructure but have not yet secured connections. The government aims to complete these connections within the next three months.
Consumers living near existing PNG pipelines are urged to switch to PNG. Failure to do so within the stipulated timeframe may result in the discontinuation of their LPG supply. Priority is being given to institutions, reform homes, police colonies, defense establishments, and industrial units in areas where pipelines are laid.
All urban gas distribution agencies have been instructed to organize camps in collaboration with district administrations, municipal bodies, and oil companies. Daily monitoring of applications and connections is underway.
Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Minister Govind Singh Rajput stated that continuous measures are being taken to curb illegal activities. He directed all district supply controllers and oil company officials to maintain strict and ongoing surveillance at petrol pumps and LPG distribution centers.
The minister reassured the public that there is no shortage of essential fuels and cooking gas in Madhya Pradesh or the country. Sufficient stocks of LPG (both domestic and commercial), petrol, diesel, PNG, and CNG are available.
Domestic LPG cylinders are being supplied based on valid bookings, while the distribution of commercial cylinders is aligned with government allocation priorities and the revised 70% limit set by the central government. To meet demand, bottling plants in the state are operating longer hours.
Special attention is being given to small businesses, street vendors, institutions, and priority sectors. The government has also made 5-kilogram LPG cylinders available through oil companies for migrant workers, students, and similar groups.
The state government is rapidly approving ‘right to use’ permits for laying new pipelines, granting approvals within 24 hours of receiving applications. No applications are currently pending.
The minister has appealed to citizens to adopt alternative cooking methods to reduce reliance on cylinders, such as induction cooktops, solar cookers, biogas, the ‘Gobardhan’ initiative, and eco-friendly ‘Go-Wood’ logs prepared by self-help groups.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment