Under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, a surprise inspection was conducted to assess the accuracy of fuel dispensing units, fuel quality, and mandatory facilities at all petrol pumps in Srinagar District.
Joint teams from the District Administration Srinagar, including the Assistant Controller Legal Metrology, Food Safety Officer, Tehsil Supplies Offices, and the SHO, conducted checks at over 30 petrol pumps across the district. The inspections covered various tehsils within the district.
In the South Tehsil, nine filling stations located at MA Road, Dalgate, Sonwar, Batamaloo, and Karan Nagar areas were inspected. Similarly, in the Central Shalteng Tehsil, twelve petrol pumps at HMT, Zainakote, Hokersar, Bemina, Barthana, Tengpora bypass, Bagh-i-Nandsingh, Shalteng, and Qamarwari were checked.
The Panthachowk Tehsil had six petrol pumps inspected in Sempora, Panthachowk, and Pandrethan areas. In Tehsil North, three filling stations operating at Batpora, Zakura, and Habak underwent inspection.
Two filling stations in Rainawari and Munawrabad were inspected in the Khanyar Tehsil. Additionally, two petrol pumps in Soura and Baghi-Ali Mardan Khan of Eidgah Tehsil, as well as two petrol pumps in Hyderpora and Baghat Barzulla areas of Chanapora Tehsil, were also checked.
During the inspection, the teams conducted delivery tests using 5-liter and 10-liter measures. Filter tests were carried out to detect adulteration, and samples were collected for further examination.
The inspection teams also evaluated the availability of essential facilities at the petrol pumps, including free air, free drinking water, fire extinguishers, and separate toilets for men and women. Random checks were performed on the delivery processes of each petrol pump.
Some petrol pumps were issued notices for lacking free drinking water facilities, with a directive to rectify the situation within seven days. Additionally, deficiencies were identified in the nozzles of certain petrol pumps, resulting in their immediate seizure by the inspection team.
A fine of Rs 10,000 was imposed on the owner of the filling stations operating in Batpora for non-compliance.
Furthermore, the management of the filling stations was instructed to adhere to the Oil Marketing Guidelines in all aspects.
The District Administration has urged consumers to verify the accuracy of petrol pumps by using the conical measure available at the filling stations if they have any doubts about the delivery.