APPEAL TO RESOLVE SHORTAGE OF COOKING GAS

APPEAL TO RESOLVE SHORTAGE OF COOKING GAS

15-MARCH-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------Advocate Pramod Rai, Ara Civil Court, in a letter to the Chief Minister requested the Chief Minister regarding the need for immediate intervention to resolve the shortage of cooking gas, irregularities in supply and the grave difficulties faced by consumers at the Pakri Indane Gas Agency at Ara.

He said that for some time now, there has been a severe shortage of cooking gas cylinders at the Pakri Indane Gas Agency located in Ara city. Every day, hundreds—even thousands—of consumers gather outside the agency premises in the hope of obtaining a gas cylinder; yet, despite this, the majority of consumers are not being provided with cylinders in a timely manner. Even after booking online, consumers are frequently denied gas on various pretexts, causing immense hardship to the common citizens.

Due to the scarcity of an essential commodity like cooking gas, many families are facing a critical crisis where they are unable to even cook their meals. Women, the elderly, and children are compelled to stand in queues for hours on end, only to return empty-handed without receiving any gas. This situation has bred widespread discontent and outrage among the general public; furthermore, if this issue is not resolved in a timely manner, the possibility of untoward incidents or a breakdown in law and order cannot be ruled out.

Apprehensions are also being raised that there are serious irregularities or negligence within the gas supply and distribution mechanism, thereby depriving common consumers of their statutory rights. Such a situation stands in direct contravention of consumer rights and the public interest.

He further said that, keeping in mind the public interest and the urgent necessities of the common citizens, you kindly direct that immediate action be taken on the following points:

Adequate and regular supplies of cooking gas cylinders at the Pakri Indane Gas Agency in Ara must be ensured immediately on a war footing.

An impartial inquiry into the agency's entire distribution mechanism and gas supply system must be conducted through the District Administration. A system must be implemented to ensure the supply of gas cylinders to all consumers in a transparent and time-bound manner through the online booking process.

Should any irregularity, black marketing, or negligence be uncovered during an inquiry, appropriate legal and administrative action must be initiated against the concerned agency operator. He added that your prompt intervention will bring relief to thousands of consumers in the city of Arrah and will help bring the currently prevailing situation of chaos and public outrage under control. Your just and sensitive decision will further strengthen the common citizens' faith in the administration and governance. Therefore, I humbly request you once again to kindly take immediate cognizance of this grave public issue and initiate effective action.