ACE tightens noise around 495 illegal fuel stations across Punjab – DN
By Our Correspondent
Lahore
According to the sources of DN, The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE), Punjab has launched a crackdown against 495 ‘illegal petrol pumps’ across the province.
In a statement issued from the office of the Spokesperson to ACE, Punjab , it was stated that these fuel stations are responsible for losses worth billions of rupees to the public exchequer.
DG ACE, Punjab Gohar Nafees said that out of 495 suspect pumps, 202 have already been checked and 154 have been sealed.
The list of investigated pumps includes eight pumps in Lahore, four in Nankana, seven in Kasur, eight in Sheikhupura, four in Gujrat, four in Hafizabad, five in Narowal, nine in Sialkot, 14 in Faisalabad, 10 in Toba Tek Singh, 11 in Jhang, 10 in Rawalpindi, five in Jehlum, and 21 in Okara.
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The investigation, which began two weeks ago, unearthed various violations of rules including lack of safety equipment and location of pumps near schools and hospitals.
These pumps have neither any agreement with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) nor are they have the crucial K-form which is issued by the Explosives Department after approval for construction of the fuel station is granted by the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC’s) office.
The standard procedure for construction of a fuel station involves many stages. Once an application for construction of a petrol pump is submitted to the government. It must get about one dozen No Objection Certificates (NOCs). From different departments including Environment Department before it goes for clearance to the DC.
Only when the DC office issues an NOC does the Explosives Department issue the K-form, which ensures that the pump is not in close proximity to sensitive buildings.
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In addition to the above violations, these pumps also found selling oil smuggled from Iran. Which remains outside the sales tax net and results in vast losses for the government.
The investigation also found that both the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). And the Explosives Department were completely unaware of these illegal activities.
The Anti-Corruption Department intends to follow through on these investigations very forcefully. According to ongoing investigation number of influential people also involved. But the Department will not spare anybody found breaking the law said DG Gohar Nafees. – PUNA