Decoding illegal cylinder biz and how it fuels Mela risks

Authorities say special teams formed to detect, check sale of "non-ISI mark" cylinders near Mela, FIR will be lodged against anyone caught supplying them

- Kenneth John

MAHAKUMBH NAGAR (PRAYAGRAJ): A day after a fire in the Mahakumbh Nagar tent city, HT's investigation has revealed that a significant chunk of pilgrims with limited means at Mahakumbh Nagar prefer the use of the comparatively cheaper and the illegal, small "non-ISI" mark 5kg cylinders, risking their lives as well as those in the vicinity, even as people in the illegal cylinder business roam around the Mela area eyeing customers and striking deals despite a ban.

The pilgrims take the risk of buying and using the illegal cylinders because of the "arduous procedure" for availing of a temporary, albeit legal, gas connection in the Mahakumbh Nagar, along with the hefty security deposit, though refundable.

The thriving network of suppliers of these illegal "non-ISI" cylinders has mushroomed for the Mela period in Daraganj, Buxi Bandh, Alopibagh, Naini and Jhunsi localities on the periphery of the Mahakumbh.

Some pilgrims buy the illegal version after getting to know about it from fellow devotees who have been using the cylinders. They get it refilled by visiting the supplier present at the periphery of the Mela. Sellers of the illegal cylinders also visit Mela camps and offer on the spot delivery, largely in Kalpvasi camps besides to pilgrims staying near the Phaphamau area in Sectors 11, 12, 13 and 14.

Over two dozen suppliers of the illegal "non-ISI mark" 5kg gas cylinders are carrying on their business in localities on the periphery of the Mela.

"We charge between Rs 80 to Rs 100 for a kilogram of LPG refill. The cost of a new cylinder is Rs 500," said an illegal cylinder seller at Daraganj.

Ratnesh, a pilgrim from Badaun in west Uttar Pradesh, was seen carrying an illegal "non-ISI" mark 5kg cylinder near pontoon bridge number 10 of the Mela area. He said he came to the fair with his parents and younger sister.