With the onset of summer, the Rawalpindi district administration has banned the use of large gas cylinders in densely populated areas, double-story buildings, multi-story basements, and congested marketplaces. The ban also covers welding shops using calcium carbide tanks and welding kits.
The deputy commissioner has instructed the Civil Defence Department to launch operations against violators, particularly targeting shops and traditional ovens (tandoors).
District Civil Defence Officer Talib Hussain said that rising temperatures pose serious risks in urban neighbourhoods, where large gas cylinders are commonly stored in hotels, food shops, and multi-story basements, turning them into potential death traps. Welding shops using calcium carbide tanks are also a major safety hazard, especially in the event of overheating or electrical short circuits.
According to Hussain, 212 notices have been issued and 16 establishments have been sealed so far. Shop owners have been directed to switch to piped natural gas or use smaller cylinders.
Enforcement teams have been formed and are actively conducting operations across the city and cantonment areas. Operations will soon expand to other tehsils in the district, including Murree, Kotli Sattian, Kahuta, Kallar Syedan, Gujar Khan, and Taxila.
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