Chief Minister reviews preparedness amid West Asia Developments, urges vigilance and public calm
Team News Riveting
Raipur, March 28
Considering the circumstances unfolding in West Asia, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today chaired a high-level review meeting via video conferencing from his Residence Office in Raipur.
The meeting was attended by all Divisional Commissioners, Inspectors General of Police, District Collectors and Superintendents of Police across the state. A comprehensive review of the availability and supply of petroleum products, LPG cylinders, fertilisers and other essential commodities was undertaken. At the meeting, Chief Minister issued detailed directives to ensure seamless public access.
The Chief Minister observed that under the far-sighted and sensitive leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the nation had remained united and resilient even during a crisis as severe as COVID-19. He clarified that the present situation is not comparable, but called for continued vigilance. He reassured that there is no shortage of petroleum products, LPG cylinders or fertilisers in the state, and appealed to citizens to refrain from heading rumours.
Sai informed that the Prime Minister has held detailed discussions with all the states regarding the West Asia situation and has assured an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities. At the state level, a control room has been established and a high-level committee is continuously monitoring the situation. He directed that similar control rooms be set up in every district, with in-charge Secretaries and Collectors conducting regular reviews. Timely dissemination of factual information to the public was emphasised to counter misinformation and prevent panic.
The Chief Minister issued firm instructions for stringent action against any instances of hoarding or black marketing of essential commodities. Regular monitoring of stock and supply at all petrol pumps and gas agencies was mandated. Officials were directed to work in a spirit of coordination to ensure uninterrupted services to citizens under all circumstances.
At the meeting, officials from HPCL, BPCL and IOCL informed that there is no shortage of petroleum products or LPG in the state, and supplies are continuing normally. Online booking of LPG cylinders is functioning smoothly. The booking period for Ujjwala gas connections is 45 days, while for general connections it is 25 days, with bookings being processed accordingly. There are no disruptions in transportation of petroleum products, and the situation remains normal across the state.
Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel stated that the state-level control room is actively monitoring the situation. Consumers can report issues related to domestic gas supply, lodge complaints or report black marketing on the toll-free number 1800-233-3663. He directed that this number be widely publicised to ensure timely access to authentic information and prompt grievance redressal.
Instructions were also issued to maintain constant vigilance over news related to the supply of gas, petrol and diesel. Misleading reports can create unnecessary fear; hence, such information must be promptly verified and accurate updates shared with the public. Special monitoring of social media and regular communication with media representatives were also emphasised.
During the video conference, officials confirmed that there is no shortage of fertilisers in the state. The Chief Minister directed that hoarding of fertilisers be strictly prevented and daily stock positions be regularly reviewed. Ensuring equitable distribution to all farmers based on their requirements was stressed. Information was also shared regarding software-based monitoring systems to enhance transparency and efficiency in fertiliser distribution.
Sai directed that uninterrupted gas supply be ensured to hospitals, hostels, educational institutions, Indian Railways, Government of India establishments, defence and paramilitary forces, institutions run by the Social Welfare Department, and airport canteens.
It was informed in the meeting that raids were conducted at 335 locations across the state, with no confirmed cases of black marketing detected. However, acting on inputs regarding hoarding, authorities seized 3,841 LPG cylinders and registered 97 FIRs.
The Chief Minister further directed heightened vigilance at border check posts. Monitoring of the movement of LPG cylinders and petrol-diesel vehicles was ordered. It was also instructed that petrol and diesel should not be supplied to the general public in containers. Such supply should be restricted only to authorised mobile towers and essential establishments operating gensets.
