Mangalore, Apr 10: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Harsha Gupta expressed displeasure over the response of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), a public sector undertaking oil major, related to the tragedy of LPG tanker that was overturned at Perne near Uppinangady at the limits of Puttur taluk on Tuesday April 9 morning. The precious lives of eight persons were lost due to severe burns owing to the mishap. He also cautioned that legal actions will be taken on erring HPCL.
‘I would not tolerate violation of law related to transporting petroleum and allied products in tankers and super tankers by the oil majors, said DC Harsha, during a meeting held here on Wednesday April 10.
DC Harsha further said that the police department will take HPCL over their negligence that was responsible for the loss of life of innocent victims. He also instructed the police to check whether each tanker has 2 drivers and cleaners, besides check all the documents pertaining to the vehicle. If in case of any lapse, he ordered to seize the vehicle.
DC Harsha also gathered information on how to modify the deep curves on the national highway. The state benefits will be awarded to the bereaved families based on the report of Tahsildar. One more fire brigade will be set up at Uppinangady to attend to future emergencies, said DC Harsha.
He also instructed factories and boilers officers to contact chief controller of explosives and get information on guidelines that are laid upon to transport explosive materials and legal procedures in case of major mishap.
DC Harsha also express deep concern at the backdrop of technologically advanced era, HPCL had not installed GPS to tankers which would enable the officers to monitor the movement of tankers. HPCL has not followed standard operating procedure with scant regard for off site emergency plan. Its poor response after the tragedy was critical, emphasized DC Harsha.
SP Abhishek Goel explained the procedures to thwart such emergencies based on his experience.
The chief fire brigade officer Varadarajan also brought to the notice of DC Harsha about the irresponsible attitude shown by HPCL officers after critical minutes of tragedy.
DC Harsha gave an ultimatum to HPCL to furnish all the information that he had sought from them.
The officers of BPCL, HPCL, IOC and MRPL were present at the occasion.
The Additional DC Dayanand K A, municipal commissioner Dr Harish, DCP Mutturaya and others were also present.
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