Ghaziabad Residents Protest Illegal Use of Domestic LPG by Street Vendors
Residents of Vaishali in Ghaziabad have voiced strong complaints regarding the widespread and unauthorized commercial use of domestic LPG cylinders by street food vendors. This practice directly contravenes the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000, and violates the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, raising significant legal and safety issues.
Specific Locations of Violations Identified
According to local residents, numerous hotspots where domestic LPG cylinders are being misused by vendors include:
- Vaishali Sector 1, particularly outside Ansal Plaza
- Sector 4 in Vaishali
- Navyug Market area
These locations have become focal points for the illegal activity, with vendors often encroaching on pedestrian pathways and green spaces.
Formal Complaint Lodged by Resident
Dr. Sunil Vaidya, a concerned resident of Vaishali, has taken formal action by lodging a detailed complaint with multiple authorities, including the district magistrate, municipal commissioner, and district supply officer. In his complaint, Vaidya highlighted several specific instances of misuse across the city:
- Sector 1 (Outside Ansal Plaza): Food vendors operating here have been using domestic gas cylinders while illegally occupying pedestrian pathways and green areas, creating obstructions and safety hazards.
- Vaishali Sector 4: Vendors in this area are not only using domestic cylinders but are also storing their goods illegally next to an electricity department building, compounding the risk of accidents.
- Navyug Market Area: A small food stall near a bank has been utilizing domestic gas cylinders while occupying footpath space, situated alarmingly close to the municipal headquarters.
Emphasizing the seriousness and illegality of these actions, Vaidya demanded the immediate removal of these vendors and their equipment in his formal complaint.
Residents Express Grave Safety Concerns
Beyond the legal violations, residents have expressed profound safety concerns regarding the risks associated with storing and using gas cylinders on busy roads. Mishandling of these cylinders could potentially lead to devastating fires or explosions, endangering public safety.
"This practice not only undermines legitimate users but also poses a significant risk to public safety," stated another Vaishali resident. The resident demanded prompt action from concerned authorities, including:
- Conducting raids to seize the illegal cylinders
- Filing FIRs against the offenders
- Investigating the gas agencies that are supplying these domestic cylinders to commercial businesses
The community's call for action underscores the urgent need to address these violations to prevent potential disasters and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
A response from the concerned officials is currently awaited as the situation remains unresolved, with residents continuing to monitor the developments closely.
