Many auto-rickshaws in Hyderabad are not following the Centre’s norms and are still using old Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) kits. The State Transport department has not enforced the law that mandates a change of kit in auto-rickshaws. The department first began using LPG kits in 1999, after the State Pollution Control Board suggested that autos be registered only if they run on gas. In Greater Hyderabad, there are over 100,000 autos, with around 90% running on either CNG or LPG, but without changing the kits. The service period for CNG kits is three years and five years for LPG kits, but not every auto driver has the required documents. If a kit is not changed, there is a risk of an explosion occurring as a result of leakages.
The Telangana Auto and Motor Welfare Union general secretary, M Dayanand, stated that LPG and CNG-based autos are dangerous and pose a threat to people as the Transport department has failed to implement laws that require the kits to be changed. If the kits are not changed on time, they become heated and gas leaks can result in explosions. Dayanand also spoke of the negligence of officials during fitness tests, but despite repeated representations, no action has been taken.
As per the Gas Cylinder Rules 2004, rule 35 prescribes periodic examination and testing of cylinders. CNG vehicles should be tested once every three years. Fitness certificates and permits should not be issued by the authorities if the vehicles have not undergone safety tests. However, it appears that authorities hardly check gas kits.
