Amid the ongoing LPG crisis in Nainital district, a new व्यवस्था has been introduced for Indane gas distribution to ensure fair delivery of cylinders. Now, delivery vehicles will carry slips equal to the number of cylinders, and only those consumers with prior bookings will receive cylinders.
The district has around 3.5 lakh consumers served through more than 16 gas agencies. Currently, the backlog of domestic LPG cylinders has reached nearly 25,000. In Haldwani alone, the Indane agency at Saras Market is facing a backlog of about 7,000 cylinders in a single day.
Consumers have been struggling to get cylinders even after waiting for over 10 days since booking. Complaints have also surfaced against delivery contractors, with locals alleging arbitrary distribution of cylinders.
On Friday, despite the Good Friday holiday, gas agencies remained open as people queued up in large numbers. In areas like Neelium Colony, residents waited for delivery vehicles but did not receive cylinders.
Officials said that immediate re-booking by consumers after receiving cylinders is contributing to the growing backlog. To address this, authorities have directed agencies to follow a strict “first in, first out” system.
Under the new arrangement, cylinders will now be dispatched along with a name slip, ensuring that only those who booked earlier receive supply. District officials have instructed agencies to strictly adhere to these guidelines.
According to the District Supply Officer, a total of 7,680 domestic cylinders, 270 commercial cylinders, and 78 small (5 kg) cylinders were distributed on April 2.
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Meanwhile, anger among residents is rising. In Devki Vihar Colony of Bithoria No. 1, people alleged that cylinders have not been delivered even after 20 days of booking. Locals who booked on March 13 and 14 are still waiting. Residents have already staged a protest at the City Magistrate’s office and are planning further action.
