MOHALI/PANCHKULA: The usage of Liquified Petroleum Gas ( LPG ) cylinders for cooking of fast food and snacks in congested markets or corridors in Panchkula and Mohali goes on with impunity putting the lives of hundreds of people visiting the markets at risk. No checks are being done by the local administrations of both the cities to either remove such violators or curb the practice. The residents believe that administration will act only after a major disaster.Recently, a food van parked on roadside in Sector 14 Panchkula was gutted in fire after LPG leakage from the cylinders which were used to cook food inside the van. No lessons are learnt from the incident and many such vans and street food vendors continue to use LPG cylinders with impunity.Rakesh Aggarwal, president Sarv Hitakri Society in Panchkula said, "We have one such incident where food van caught fire from gas leakage, but still no lessons are learnt. Street vendors and shopkeepers have been using the LPG cylinders openly in market corridors posing major threat to the visitors. Civic body must start a drive to confiscate such cylinders being used in the open."The situation is no different in Mohali markets as many shopkeepers especially selling sweets and food have put up LPG stoves. This not only poses a threat to hundreds of visitors but also pollute the environment.Jagdev Singh, resident of Phase V said, "The most affected areas are Phase 3B2 and V markets. Street vendors selling noodles, momos, samosas have been using LPG cylinders with impunity without any resistance from the administration. The markets have been turned into tinderboxes and have been sounding for approaching disaster but administration is yet to act."Despite of the fact that Mohali municipal corporation had spent lakhs of rupees on conducting the GIS mapping of the street vendors with a view to reallocate them giving respite to the residents.But the civic body failed to implement the street vendors policy and is yet to issue licenses to around 1800 street vendors in city. The street vendors continue to irk the residents and the councillors have been coming up with complaints with MC commissioner.

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