Bhubaneswar, March 11 (NationPress) Odisha's Chief Secretary Anu Garg convened a meeting on Wednesday with various departmental Secretaries and District Collectors to assess the availability and continuous supply of cooking gas (LPG), petrol, and diesel throughout the state.

This meeting took place at Lok Seva Bhawan, with District Collectors participating virtually.

During the discussion, the Chief Secretary shared that comprehensive talks had already occurred with representatives of oil marketing firms concerning the supply status.

The companies reported that there is presently no shortage of LPG supply. Nonetheless, she pointed out that public concerns could potentially escalate into law and order issues, thus the administration must stay vigilant.

Garg highlighted the necessity of ensuring a steady supply of LPG to consumers as a primary focus. She instructed that cooking gas distribution should be prioritized for critical and emergency services, including hospitals, mid-day meal programs in schools, hostels, Anganwadi centers, orphanages, Aahar centers, and other governmental institutions.

She also insisted that the movement of fuel tankers from depots must remain unimpeded under any circumstances. The police system has been tasked with guaranteeing sufficient law and order measures to facilitate smooth tanker transit and the effective operation of retail fuel stations.

To maintain ongoing oversight of the situation, the Chief Secretary mandated the establishment of a State-Level Committee composed of Secretaries from relevant departments, along with District-Level Committees that include District Collectors, Superintendents of Police, and District Supply Officers.

Additionally, she directed the formation of control rooms within districts to keep track of the situation and ensure that LPG reaches its designated consumers without any interruptions. Officials were ordered to enforce stringent supervision and effective management of the distribution framework.

The Chief Secretary further urged authorities to take stringent measures against illicit activities like black marketing or hoarding of LPG. Oil companies have been instructed to maintain the seamless operation of LPG bottling plants, retail outlets, and distribution channels, ensuring that domestic consumers do not encounter any inconveniences.

District Collectors were also advised to conduct district-level meetings aimed at promoting public awareness and sharing accurate information.

In attendance at the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary (Home, Industries, Information and Public Relations) Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy and IT) Vishal Kumar Dev, Principal Secretary (Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare) Sanjay Kumar Singh, along with various senior officials from the relevant departments.