Srinagar: In a major enforcement action, the Legal Metrology Department sealed 30 illegal petrol pumps across Kashmir on Thursday.
Specially constituted teams carried out inspections across seven districts in the Kashmir division, including Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar, and Anantnag, she added.
An official from Legal Metrology told news agency JKNS that 30 illegal petrol pumps were sealed across the Kashmir Valley today in a single day.
These outlets were found in violation of the Legal Metrology Act 2009 and the Petroleum Rules. Our commitment is to safeguard consumer interests and ensure regulatory compliance, the official said.
The action was part of our comprehensive effort to enforce the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules, protecting the rights of consumers.
Our inspections today revealed widespread violations, including the use of unverified nozzles, tampering with measuring devices, and the operation of outlets without authorization from Oil Marketing Companies or the Petroleum and Safety Organization (PESO), the official said.
Inspections further uncovered that the dispensing units lacked the required certification from the Legal Metrology Department, leading to inaccurate fuel delivery, leaving consumers vulnerable to fraud, official added.
Anuradha Gupta, Controller of Legal Metrology, told JKNS: “Our primary concern is the safety and rights of consumers. Petrol Pumps voilating legal standards will face action. Teams have been constituted to check Violation of Legal Standards, visitors will Face Action.
These illegal petrol pumps not only violate legal standards but also pose significant risks to public safety by failing to adhere to necessary safety protocols. We are committed to taking swift action to ensure compliance and protect the interests of the people, she said.”
All illegal dispensing units found today were sealed, and cases have been registered against the owners/operators. Legal proceedings under relevant sections of the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules are underway, Anuradha said.
Earlier, in an order by the Controller Metrology, teams were constituted to conduct inspection of all such units and seize all such illegal dispensing units/weights & measures which are found violating the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act 2009 and rules made thereunder. Any record, register, or document which may furnish evidence regarding the offence shall also be seized in terms of Section 15 (1) (b) of the Legal Metrology Act 2009.
Teams were directed to coordinate with local police authorities, if needed, so as to ensure smooth and lawful execution of the instructions issued under this order and shall ensure that all the actions are conducted transparently and within the purview of the Legal Framework/Legal Metrology Act 2009. (JKNS)
