LAHORE: Regional teams of the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) on Thursday severed another 409 connections for pilferage, use of compressor and other illegalities and imposed Rs10.7 million fine on those involved in such wrongdoings.

In Lahore, according to a spokesman, the team cut supply to 68 consumers on illegal use of gas and another 15 for use of compressor. An FIR was also lodged against a gas thieve. The team also imposed fines amounting to Rs0.07m for gas theft.

In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the team cut 137 connections on illegal use of gas and another one for use of compressor.

In Multan, two connections were disconnected on illegal use of gas and another 21 on use of compressor.

In Sahiwal, two connections were severed on compressor use. In Faisalabad, seven connections were disconnected on illegal use of gas and another two on use of compressor. The team also imposed a fine of Rs0.13m against gas theft cases.

In Sheikhupura, 20 connections were cut on illegal use of gas and a fine amount of Rs 0.02m was imposed. In Sargodha, two connections were disconnected on compressor use.

In Gujrat, the team severed 81 connections on illegal use of gas and Rs7.68m worth of fine imposed.

LPG: Punjab Minister for Industries & Commerce SM Tanveer on Thursday sought formulation of an effective action plan to stop manufacturing of substandard gas cylinders.

Presiding over a meeting held here, he said effective measures need to be taken so as to prevent the manufacture and sale of substandard gas cylinders. “The Ogra, industry, home department, district administration and related institutions should prepare an action plan to prevent the business of selling substandard gas cylinders,” he said.

He was of the view that selling substandard gas cylinder business does not deserve any leniency. He directed the officers to sit together and formulate the action plan with regard to launching a strict crackdown adding that illegal trading of LPG gas cylinders must also be stopped.

“The SOPs for manufacture and sale of cylinders should be fully implemented as well. The Ogra and related institutions will also have to make necessary legislation in this regard,” Tanveer said.

DELAYED: Departure of various express trains continues to be delayed from Lahore due to late arrival from Karachi caused by foggy weather.

According to a spokesman, the Karakoram express departed one hour late from its actual time of 3pm. Similarly, the Business express departed three hours and 45 minute late from its actual time of 4pm.

Cleanliness: Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) Chief Executive Officer Babar Sahib Din recently conducted a review of the cleanliness arrangements with a special focus on Firdous Market, Gulberg.

During his visit, he said that in an effort to intensify the fight against debris along roadsides, a directive had been issued to increase the number of the LWMC enforcement inspectors in Gulberg.

He emphasised the need for swift and stringent action against illegal dumping activities and stressed the ongoing surprise visits of officers across all nine towns, ensuring cleanliness standards.

Mr Din reviewed the cleanliness arrangements in Makkah Colony, Ghalib Market, Mini Market, Main Market, Jail Road, Shadman Market, the Mall Road, Ghalib Road, Hali Road, Kasuri Road and Noor Jahan Road.

The LWMC CEO urged the citizens to collaborate with the company staff, refrain from illegal dumping and report debris on roads through the LWMC helpline 1139 or social media.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2024