Vital meeting held in order to solve the gas cylinder shortage issue

Vital meeting held in order to solve the gas cylinder shortage issue

Friday, May 18, 2012 Mukesh Kr Sharma : After receiving numerous complaints from the public regarding distribution of one gas cylinder per consumer since around last 3 months, the Kalimpong Sub Divisional Officer LN Sherpa today called on a meeting between the Kalimpong MLA, Kalimpong Municipality, Fire Brigade, Gas Agency dealers and officials of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC).After much discussion in the gas cylinder shortage issue a report was presented by the Sub Divisional Officer which stated that there are total 33, 241 consumers under the 2 dealers in Kalimpong and 1 in Pedong. But according to the reports, the IOC has sent only 12, 458 cylinders to Kalimpong in the month of April which counts only around 35% out of 100. Speaking on this matter the Sales Manager from Matigara on behalf of IOC who looks after the gas supply in the hills along with Sikkim, mentioned that in the hills most of the households have 3- 4 connections which is wrong. 

Also the use of household cylinders in the hotels, restaurants, hostels etc are against the law. The IOC is not aware of whether the cylinders meant for the general public are reaching their households or not for there are no proper records, he added. The Sub Divisional Officer in his talk said that in order to stop the usage of household cylinders by commercial establishments, they along with the help of the Police will conduct raids and those found at fault will be penalized. Sherpa earlier issued a notice to all the shops, hotels, restaurants, hotels etc. to get commercial cylinder connection by 31st May, 2012. Hence, after 31st May they will be conducting raids and those who are still found using household cylinders, there license shall be cancelled. Another issue regarding the weight of the household cylinders which weighs less than the said weight of 14.5 kgs was also discussed during the meet. To this the dealers notified that the consumers if any doubts can weigh the cylinders with the weighing machine placed at gas outlets. Post meeting, one of the gas dealers said that if every person abides by the suggestions and the notice issued during the meet then the issues pertaining to gas shortage can be solved. 

The MLA along with the Sub Divisional Officer appealed the IOC to increase the supply of cylinders above 50%. They also directed the IOC Officials to send more number of cylinders keeping the monsoons in mind and some to be kept reserved. During today’s meet the Kalimpong Municipality President LB Pariyar, MLA Dr Harka Bahadur Chettri, Fire Prevention & Protection Officer, executives of Gorkha Dukha Niwarak Sammelan, executives of the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Kalimpong and Officials from Fire Brigade were present.