Sindh Minister for Environment, Shaikh Mohammad Afzal has directed the concerned officials of his department to take strict action against owners and drivers of vehicles installed with sub-standard CNG cylinders. In a condolence meeting held on Tuesday for people who died during recent road accidents caused due to explosion of sub-standard cylinders, he said loss of precious human lives can not be allowed.
The minister said many of the public transporters have switched their vehicles from petrol, diesel and liquid petroleum (LPG) to CNG, without any prior approval of the concerned agencies. "Absolute disregard for law and no consideration towards quality of CNG cylinders and safety of vehicles has resulted in serious mishaps," said Shaikh Mohamamd Afzal.
He said the Sindh department of Environment has taken action against 1700 vehicles for emitting smoke and causing atmospheric pollution. The minister said all concerned departments including environment department in close co-ordination with traffic police have to take upon themselves to protect people using public vehicles installed with faulty cylinders.