PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Uttarkashi
Residents of Uttarkashi district headquarters, Joshiyada and other areas of the district are complaining of issues with the supply of LPG cylinders. The district administration has stated that there is adequate supply of cooking gas though locals are claiming otherwise. Queues of people can be seen outside gas agencies and distribution sites from 6 AM for LPG cylinders.
A considerable number of people had gathered at Joshiyada parking for cylinders on Friday morning. Many of them claimed that they were unable to get a cylinder after waiting in queue for hours. Some of the locals claimed that they were making rounds to get cylinders for three days without success. Complaints of similar situations have also emerged from Bhatwadi, Dunda, Dharasu, Chinyalisaud, Badkot and Purola areas of the district. Indane Gas manager Renuka Uniyal said that there are some issues with the supply of cooking gas at present. Under normal circumstances the demand for about 4,000 cylinders is met by the 13th day of the month but this time only 2,000 cylinders were available, which has affected supply.
District supply officer Ashish Kumar said that due to issues in the online OTP system, the arrangement has been suspended for some days to prevent problems in distribution. Considering the current situation, commercial cooking gas cylinders are being provided only to hospitals and educational institutions. The supply of the commercial cylinders to hotels and other businesses has been temporarily suspended, he said. Hotel operators and other businesses have been advised to use five-kilogramme FTL cylinders as an alternative for now. The use of electric induction cookers and firewood has also been suggested, Kumar added.
Meanwhile, locals continue to face inconvenience. Sunil Kumar said that people are making repeated rounds and standing in queue for hours without success. Women are facing problems in cooking food at a time when school exams are also underway, he said. Some locals are also complaining that they are not getting clear information from gas agencies and the administration about when and how much gas will be available. This is spreading confusion and frustration, the locals said.
