Straight Talk

Prof.Mahesh Panse

Chandrapur :-

          A “gas crisis” has begun in the district. While the situation does not appear to have worsened in those talukas where proper planning is being implemented in accordance with the District Administration’s directives, a pertinent question arises: Has the Taluka Administration in places like Mul still not taken serious cognizance of the issue? This question is being raised amidst the visible chaos and frantic scrambling of citizens.

          It is reported that in Mul city and its surrounding areas, a businessman named Borkar—hailing from Savali—is currently supplying domestic and commercial gas cylinders through the “Riyansu Gas Agency.”

          It is understood that the responsibility for gas supply has currently been handed over to the Savali-based operator following a fatal accident that occurred a few days ago at the warehouse of the previous gas agency responsible for cylinder distribution.

            Due to this critical situation—akin to a state of emergency—citizens across the entire district are currently in a frantic scramble for domestic gas supplies. In Mul city, the situation appears to be reaching a breaking point, with the chaos escalating to extreme levels. Citizens are reportedly growing increasingly outraged due to the Riyansu Agency owner being “out of coverage” (unreachable) and the sheer inefficiency and laxity prevailing at the gas agency’s office. Domestic gas cylinder holders in Mul city and its surrounding areas are facing numerous technical difficulties. Since neither the administration nor the gas agencies are taking steps to resolve these issues, there is growing apprehension that the situation could escalate into a major outcry and spiral out of control.

           Customers have become increasingly agitated due to a host of problems: the inability to book gas cylinders online; the agencies’ failure to provide timely notification regarding changes to customer account numbers; belated advice regarding the completion of KYC formalities; irregularities in gas supply; the failure to provide doorstep delivery even after the OTP has been shared; and the fact that the gas agency office is staffed by only a single employee—who, moreover, is not even present on a full-time basis.

          If the Mul Taluka administration fails to properly address and resolve customers’ grievances and doubts—especially during this critical juncture—and instead continues to shield the gas agency operators, it is certain that the “gas problem” in Mul Taluka will only intensify further.

Are the Political Leaders “Out of Coverage”?

        Mul Taluka falls within the legislative constituency of MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar—a former State Minister and a prominent, influential political figure. Furthermore, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also shares a deep-rooted connection with this very taluka.

         In Mul Taluka—a region considered politically sensitive—the Municipal Council is currently under the control of the Congress party. Overall, the region boasts an abundance of leaders representing various political parties. However, these very leaders—who are typically quick to engage in political one-upmanship over development projects—do not appear to be making any effort to satisfy the public or to compel the administration to undertake proper planning during this crisis. Consequently, doubts are being raised, prompting the question: Have all our political leaders suddenly gone “out of coverage”?