Amid rising concerns over an ‘alleged’ gas shortage in Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has gone on alert mode, with Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak taking direct action on the ground.
On Thursday, the Minister conducted a surprise raid at a gas agency in Pathankot district and visited the Dinanagar Gas Agency located in Tangoshah area of Taragarh, where he found nearly 400 people waiting in long queues since as early as 4-5 AM. It was also noted that the agency had not opened even by 9 AM.
Many people present at the spot complained that they had not received gas cylinders for the past three days. The situation angered the Minister, especially after he found that no agency staff was present there except a storekeeper, who was also refusing to open the warehouse.
Taking serious note of the situation, Kataruchak immediately called Pathankot’s District Food and Civil Supplies Controller, Raj Rishi Mehra, and expressed strong displeasure, and said that the public was suffering while officials were absent, calling it a “mockery” of people’s hardships. He ordered strict action against the agency management and ensured that the government has also formed administrative committees to monitor the situation and ensure better supply of commercial LPG across the state.
