Top sources in the administration said the proposal to provide police protection to LPG agencies, delivery vehicles and distribution staff is under consideration. “During a recent meeting chaired by chief secretary and attended by collectors, SPs and CPs from across the state, officials were directed that if a large crowd gathers during cylinder distribution and agencies seek police protection, it should be provided after assessing the law-and-order situation,” sources said.The district administration decided to closely monitor LPG availability through a special committee headed by collector Dr Vipin Itankar. Rural SP Harssh Poddar will function as member secretary while district supply officer Anand Padole, municipal commissioner and senior officials from HPCL, IOCL and BPCL will be among the members.Authorities said the committee will track LPG stocks, coordinate with oil companies and ensure smoother distribution across the district. Meanwhile, on Monday, officials seized 2 domestic cylinders from eateries in Umred where they were allegedly being used for commercial purposes.The administration also announced the creation of 24×7 control rooms at both district and municipal levels. A dedicated helpline will allow citizens to register grievances, while daily updates on cylinder stock levels will be issued by noon each day.CP Ravinder Singal told TOI, “We did not receive any such order so far. However, the administration is closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that law and order is maintained.”
