In a major enforcement action, the Food and Civil Supplies Department on Wednesday seized 139 illegally stored gas cylinders near a petrol pump in Churu district, averting what officials said could have been a serious safety hazard.
According to the department, the action was taken against Likhmaram Indane Gramin Vitrak Agency, Ghanghu, where an inspection revealed illegal storage of gas cylinders at an unauthorised godown and agency premises. The cylinders were found stored near M/s Boliram & Sons petrol pump on Kachahari Road, Churu, raising serious concerns over public safety.
Officials said the agency failed to produce any valid documents related to the storage during the inspection, following which all cylinders were seized as per rules. The seized stock included filled 14.2-kg LPG cylinders, which posed a significant risk due to their proximity to the fuel station.
The department noted that the illegal storage also amounted to a violation of provisions under the Explosives Act. It was further revealed that 71 gas cylinders belonging to the same agency had been seized earlier in previous enforcement actions.
Following the seizure, departmental officials initiated legal proceedings against the agency in accordance with prescribed norms. Considering the seriousness of the case, the department has also constituted a three-member committee to conduct a detailed probe. The committee has been directed to submit its report within seven days.
