LPG awaits autorickshaws
Ranchi   30-Apr-2012

The city will soon have its autos running on LPG as was decided by Ranchi district commissioner (DC) KK Soan on Saturday at a meeting convened to discuss means of curbing pollution menace and traffic problems in the city.

Soan said, "Indian Oil is the only company offering LPG. We have decided to open five petrol pumps in the city at Ratu, HEC and Doranda where LPG will be available."

Actions would be taken against the auto-rickshaw drivers who did not have the permit or were not following the pollution norms, said Soan. A discussion was also held on removing encroachment from the city. "Ranchi Municipal Corporation has removed encroachment from most of the places but some areas in national highway (NH) are still encroached. The width of NH is supposed to be 80ft and any encroachment in that area will have to be removed", said Soan.

The DC said loudspeaker should not be used after 10 at night and in case if any organization was planning to take out a procession, the local police station should be informed before hand. The DC held another meeting with the petrol pumps owners to know if the petrol pumps were following the DC orders. Soan also ordered the owners to install CCTV cameras and supply petrol to only those wearing helmets. Soan said, "Many petrol pump owners say they have installed the cameras. We will start checking on Sunday." He said, "If we spot any petrol pump worker giving petrol to people without helmets actions will be taken against the pump owner."

Earlier, the DC had given an order to start fire safety drills at the petrol pumps but none of the owners had reportedly, taken it seriously. Soan said, "I have given them a last chance to follow the directions and start fire safety drills. If they still fail, strict actions will be taken against them."