Kolkata Police Issues High Alert Over LPG and CNG Crisis
In response to the escalating LPG and CNG crisis, the Kolkata Police headquarters at Lalbazar has issued a critical alert to all senior officers across the city. The directive mandates heightened vigilance to ensure that law and order remains unaffected by the ongoing fuel shortages. Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar has personally instructed all station house officers to maintain strict surveillance and proactive measures.
Targeted Actions Against Black Marketing and Diversion
Commissioner Sarkar's orders specifically focus on combating illegal activities exploiting the crisis. Police station heads have been directed to remain exceptionally vigilant against black marketing operations and the illegal diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes. Senior officers are required to continuously assess the local situation, identifying areas where shortages could potentially trigger public tension or enable profiteering.
Key surveillance points include:
- Monitoring long queues forming at LPG distribution agencies and CNG filling stations.
- Conducting rapid assessments of local vulnerabilities to fuel scarcity.
- Implementing swift action protocols to prevent any untoward incidents or public unrest.
Proactive Contingency Planning Within Police Units
Beyond public order management, the police administration has initiated internal contingency planning. In a forward-looking move, police units stationed in barracks have been encouraged to procure induction cookers wherever feasible to reduce dependency on LPG. The official order further suggests exploring alternative electric appliances to mitigate the impact of the crisis.
Recommended alternatives include:
- Electric kettles for boiling water.
- Microwave ovens for heating and basic cooking.
- Other suitable electric cooking or heating appliances available locally.
The directive emphasizes that additional contingency measures should be devised and implemented based on specific local conditions and resource availability. This comprehensive approach aims to safeguard both public order and the operational readiness of the police force during the prolonged fuel supply disruption.
