Kolkata Police Launches Extensive Inspection of Gas Distribution Centers
In a significant move to safeguard essential supplies, enforcement branch officials from Kolkata Police conducted thorough inspections at 25 gas distribution centers across the city on Friday. The primary objective was to ensure that last-mile delivery—from distribution centers to households—remains uninterrupted under any circumstances.
Uncovering Stock Mismatches and Irregularities
During the inspections, police officers engaged with customers and meticulously checked stock levels, comparing them against distribution slips. At a Lake Gardens distribution center, several alleged "mismatches" were discovered between the recorded stocks and the actual number of gas cylinders distributed on Thursday. This prompted authorities to seek immediate explanations from the distributors.
Similarly, in a coordinated effort, Bengal Police organized raids across the state. A notable operation at a Badu gas distribution center near Madhyamgram, conducted by Barasat police, revealed major discrepancies in stock records.
Enhanced Coordination and Security Measures
To address these issues, police have instructed distributors to verify with customers whether cylinders have reached them after delivery agents depart from the centers. Distributors are required to share these reports along with detailed stock information with law enforcement.
In a proactive step, Airport Police Station and Rajarhat Police Station organized a coordination meeting with LPG distributors and warehouse owners within their jurisdiction. During the meeting, officials emphasized the importance of implementing robust security measures at their facilities and warned against any irregularities.
State-Wide Oversight and Crisis Management
The state government has established a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to manage the situation, which includes the opening of a control room. Enforcement branch officials are currently examining various aspects, including cylinder stock levels, supply chains, customer booking patterns, and potential black market activities.
Despite these investigations, dealers have maintained that there are no discrepancies and that gas storage complies with all regulations.
Regional Inspections and Supply Challenges
In Hooghly district, the Sub-Divisional Officer, alongside special branch police, is overseeing inspections of gas supply and distribution. Operations have been conducted at warehouses in Chinsurah, Bandel, and Dunlop to ensure compliance.
Gas suppliers in Kolkata reported a surge in panic bookings, with demand skyrocketing from 400-500 bookings to over a thousand, while supply remains unchanged at 525 cylinders. This imbalance is creating significant logistical challenges.
Government-Led Oversight Committee
The Bengal government has formed an oversight committee led by Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty as part of the SOP. This panel is tasked with monitoring stocks of essential fuels, including CNG, diesel, petrol, and kerosene.
Major companies such as Indian Oil, HPCL, and BPCL have been directed to ensure uninterrupted cooking gas supply for emergency services. Priority is being given to urban and rural households, hospitals, health centers, Anganwadi centers, educational institutions, government hostels, and homes relying on single cylinders.
