Experts and social activists have raised concerns over the illegal parking of oil tankers on the route from oil depots to consumer outlets.
Experts and social activists have raised concerns over the illegal parking of oil tankers on the route from oil depots to consumer outlets.
Two years ago, the then city collector IA Kundan had directed regional transport authorities to take action against the illegal parking. The issue was discussed during the District Road Safety Committee’s (DRSC) meeting held in December 2008, soon after the Mumbai terror attacks. Members of the committee brought to the notice of officials that the parking of oil tankers in central Mumbai could pose a serious security threat as well as be a health hazard for people in nearby areas. Kundan had immediately ordered action and directed the regional transport authority to stop the practice.
However, more than two years on, the practice continues on roads in Wadala, Sewri and near Anushakti Nagar in Chembur. Road safety activists have now decided to raise the issue with the government. According to experts, tankers are not allowed to take halts between the uploading depot and the destination.
“The tankers carrying hazardous chemicals, largely owned by the oil industry, pose a serious threat to the city. In the event of a terrorist grenade attack, accidental leakage or fire, the entire neighbourhood could be endangered,” said Mohammed Afzal, joint secretary of the Welfare Organisation for Road Safety and Prevention of Accidents and member of the DRSC.
Deputy Regional Transport Officer A Bhave said that the responsibility of taking action lies with the police. “The transport officers are authorised to take action against parking in areas demarcated as no-parking zones. Action against oil and chemical tankers for other kinds of violations can be taken by the police,” he said.
City collector Chandrashkhat Oak said, “I am not aware of any such order issued by my predecessor. I will look into the issue and order action against the violation. However, I have been told by authorities that oil tankers are equipped with the GPS system and monitored by oil companies.”
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}