ICTA bans CNG school vans in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The district administration of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) in an efficient drive has imposed a complete ban on installing compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders under school van seats. According to a notification issued by ICT administration on Friday, it has been observed during field checking that CNG cylinders have been installed under the seats in most school vans, putting the lives of students at risk. This placement of cylinders is not only dangerous but also illegal under section 199/122 of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965. A special team has been deputed under the supervision Islamabad Traffic Police SSP, in order to take timely action against those who have installed CNG cylinder under seats. Meanwhile number of parents while expressing their concern said that installation of a CNG cylinder in school van or a public bus is just like carrying a bomb which can burst at any time. The incidents of gas cylinder blasts in school vans and public transport vehicles have been reported many times but the government has so far taken no action in this regard.  

Published in The Express Tribune, February 2^nd, 2019.