The Hindu Business Line : HC directs relocation of LPG godown in residential area

Chennai March 28 The Madras High Court has directed the owner of a LPG godown in Ayanavaram in Chennai to stop permanently use of the place for locating the said LPG godown as in the absence of approval from the fire service, continuance of the godown could be only at the peril of safety of people in the residential area surrounding the godown.

Allowing a writ petition by Aakash Anugraha Residents Association seeking a directive to Rajammal Gas Agency to shift the godown to another place, the First Bench, comprising Chief Justice A.P. Shah and Mr Justice K. Chandru, gave eight weeks' time to shift the godown to an unobjectionable place.

Referring to petitioner's contention that the godown had been carrying on the LPG distribution from the place since 1982 and that they were in possession of explosive licence and that the building was also in conformity with Building Development Control Rules, the Bench ruled that these could not be the only basis to permit them to carry on business. The GO of 24-2-1977 of Rural Development and Local Administration Dept permitted location of LPG godowns only with licence and that necessary clearance should be obtained not only from explosive dept but also from Director of Fire Service. The attempt of the LPG agency to get licence from Fire Service Dept had not materialised. On the contrary, according to North Madras Divisional Fire Officer, the area was inaccessible to any fire and rescue service. He, therefore, advised that storage of LPG cylinders should not be permitted in the present premises from public safety point of view.

The Bench said that in a matter of this nature, what was important was safety of public. The defence of the LPG agency was only stated to be rejected. The Bench said it had no hesitation in rejecting arguments of the counsel for the agency. Hence, the writ petition shall stand allowed, and the agency was permanently injuncted from carrying on the activity of locating LPG godown in the place.

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