Sr. Staff Reporter, Kishoreganj :
Gas cylinder business is going on in Kishoreganj without any safety standard. The use of LPG cylinders in the country has increased several times in the last seven years due to the closure of new gas connections in residential buildings for several years.
In this way, the competition among the marketing companies has increased due to the increase in customer demand.
The demand for LP Gas is increasing day by day due to shutdown of residential gas connection. At present, the number of cylinder users at least 25000 in the town. As a result, cylinders are being sold illegally in Kishoreganj town without any regulation.
Most of the shops are doing this business without the certificate of explosives directorate. LP cylinders are now also available in grocery stores in the neighborhood. Many of these shops do not have trade licenses for that.
Although some people do business with trade licenses, they are not allowed to sell gas cylinders. These shops do not have fire extinguishers.
There is no remedy for any major accident. The risk is growing in the gas cylinder business without approval in commercial and residential areas. As a result, loss of life or any major accident can happen at any time.
It can be seen that in different areas of Kishoreganj town, traders are selling gas cylinders by stockpiling them on the sidewalks in Bara Bazar, Batrish, Mela Bazar, Gaital, kachari Bazar, khramputti, Sholakia, Char Sholakia, Pura thana, Rail station areas of the town.
Besides, LPG cylinders are being sold in small shops in the neighborhoods, alleys, retail markets and shops in residential areas. Most of them did not get the certificate of explosives department. Again, those who have clearance and certificate are not doing business according to the rules.
Emdadul, Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) of Fire Service and Civil Defense Office in Kishoreganj said, “It is very dangerous to trade gas cylinders without fire extinguishers and equipment.”
Under Section 69 of the Gas Cylinder Rules-2004 under the Explosives Act 1884, no more than 10 gas cylinders can be stored without a license. However, according to Section 70 of the Rules, sufficient quantity of fire extinguishers and equipment must be kept in stock for the storage of these cylinders.
The LPG installation premises shall not contain any objects or equipment which may contain smoke, matches or fire.
There should be no light or heat source near the storage area. However, the traders of Kishoreganj are not following these instructions and prohibitions. LPG cylinders are being sold in tea shops by stoves or in cigarette shops.
Alam Sarowar Tito, Kishoreganj, CAB President said that, ‘The way gas cylinders are being sold freely in the neighborhoods of Kishoreganj is very dangerous. This can lead to fatal accidents at any time.
The concerned authorities as well as businessmen and general public should be alert in this regard. All concerned including explosives directorate and fire service have to play a responsible role in monitoring the traders.
Rubel Mahmud, ADC (General) of Kishoreganj, told the New Nation that, “It is very dangerous to sell as many cylinders of gas as possible. Big accidents can happen at any time. District Administration conducts crackdown on illegal cylinder traders will be launched soon”.
