Ghaziabad: Vaishali residents have complained about the widespread commercial use of domestic LPG cylinders by street food vendors. The use of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes is unauthorised under the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000, and violates the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.Some spots where domestic LPG cylinders are used by vendors include Vaishali Sector 1, outside Ansal Plaza, Sector 4, Navyug Market, etc, residents said.Dr Sunil Vaidya, a resident of Vaishali, lodged a complaint with the district magistrate, municipal commissioner, and district supply officer on the matter, highlighting several instances of misuse. In his complaint, Vaidya pointed out three specific examples demonstrating the issue across various locations in the city. In Sector 1, food vendors operating outside Ansal Plaza have been using domestic gas cylinders while encroaching on pedestrian pathways and green areas. In Vaishali’s Sector 4, Vaidya said that such vendors are not only using domestic cylinders but also illegally storing their goods next to an electricity department building.Similarly, in the Navyug Market area, a small food stall near a bank has been using domestic gas cylinders while occupying footpath space, just a short distance from the municipal headquarters, Vaidya said.Emphasising the seriousness of the situation, and noting the illegality of their usage, Vaidya demanded their immediate removal in his complaint.Residents also expressed safety concerns regarding the risks of storing gas cylinders on busy roads, with mishandling potentially leading to fires or explosions. “This practice not only undermines legitimate users but also poses a significant risk to public safety,” said another Vaishali resident, who demanded action from concerned authorities, including raids to seize the illegal cylinders, filing FIRs against the offenders, and investigating the gas agencies supplying these domestic cylinders to businesses.A response from officials is awaited.
