Patna District Magistrate Reviews Domestic LPG Supply and Issues Strict Warnings
In a significant move to ensure uninterrupted domestic LPG supply, District Magistrate (DM) Thiyagarajan S M conducted a comprehensive review meeting on Saturday. The session involved heads of major hospitals and educational institutions across Patna. During the review, the DM emphasized that distributors and oil marketing companies have maintained adequate stock levels, urging citizens to avoid panic booking and unnecessary hoarding of cylinders.
Administration Takes Firm Action Against Malpractices
The DM issued a stern warning, stating that the administration would not hesitate to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against individuals engaged in black marketing, hoarding, or overcharging for LPG cylinders. This legal measure is designed to curb illegal activities and ensure fair distribution to all consumers in the district.
Nodal Officers Appointed for Key Institutions
To streamline coordination and prevent service disruptions, the administration has designated specific nodal officers for critical sectors:
- Hospitals: The civil surgeon and district programme manager (health) have been appointed as nodal officers. They will coordinate with major healthcare facilities, including IGIMS, AIIMS, PMCH, NMCH, and ESIC, to ensure LPG supply remains uninterrupted for patient care.
- Educational Institutions: The additional district magistrate (supply) and special officer rationing have been assigned to monitor distribution at academic centers such as IIT, NIT, and NIFT. Their role includes maintaining regular contact with service providers to address any issues promptly.
Enhanced Monitoring and Complaint Mechanisms
The DM has directed concerned officers to guarantee regular LPG supply to essential facilities, including Kasturba Gandhi Residential Schools, hostels, children’s homes, anganwadi centres, and prisons. To enforce this, a total of 28 flying squads, led by supply officers, are actively monitoring distributors and conducting inspections based on consumer feedback and complaints.
Furthermore, the district administration has established a dedicated helpline, operational from 9 am to 6 pm daily. This helpline is designed to record complaints in a formal register, ensuring shift-wise responses and timely resolution of issues. In a recent incident, following a complaint from a consumer in New Tarapur, Danapur, where a delivery boy allegedly sent a false confirmation message without delivering the cylinder, the police registered an FIR against the individual, highlighting the administration’s commitment to accountability.
Strengthening Local Coordination and Oversight
All sub-divisional officers have been instructed to keep local control rooms functional and maintain effective coordination among stakeholders, including distributors, institutions, and consumers. The deputy development commissioner has been directed to oversee the entire monitoring system, ensuring that supply chains remain robust for students and residents across Patna.
This proactive approach by the district administration aims to mitigate potential shortages and promote a transparent, efficient LPG distribution network, safeguarding the interests of all citizens in the region.
