LPG cylinders being sold in fancy stores and footwear shops in Jigani

BENGALURU: Despite repeated cases of LPG cylinder blast in the City, the authorities concerned do not seem to have taken adequate measures to prevent such incidents. Gas cylinders are being brazenly sold in retail shops like fancy stores without any safety measures.

The LPG cylinders are kept in front of these shops for sale without any safety precautions on Bannerghatta main road in Anekal taluk on outskirts of the city despite cases where cylinders have exploded due to leakage, causing extensive damage and sometimes even loss of lives.

The Food and Civil Supplies department and Fire and Emergency Services should have acted against those who are selling cylinders in their small shops, but nothing has been done. From small size cylinders to 16 kg cylinders, they are being sold without any safety in various shops, including retail shops and fancy stores around Jigani.

Cylinders of private LPG companies are kept in public places in densely populated area and sold. Local residents question who will take responsibility if there is any untoward incident that if someone lights up a cigarette or beedi near the shop.

Last week, a raid was conducted on a warehouse in Madapatna near Jigani where illegal cylinders were stocked. But a week later, cylinders were back at the shop due to the negligence of the tahsildar and Health Department officials. Similarly, in many parts of Anekal taluk, small shops continue their business.

Virupaksha, Health Officer in Jigani Municipal Council said, “I do not have information about it. There is no provision under the municipal rules to issue permission for selling LPG cylinders in public places. We will take action immediately and close them with police protection”.

Jigani Municipality CEO Rajesh said there is no permission from the municipality for the sale or re-filling of LPG cylinders in retail shops (general stores), especially in public places. “Only authorized gas agencies are allowed to supply cylinders. These sellers have only permission for general stores. We will examine the issue. Earlier, shop owners agreed that they would clear the cylinders. Now we will issue a notice to close their business and take action against them”, he said.