Petrol, CNG Stations ridicule OGRA directions for cleanliness of lavatories

ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) in November, 2018 had directed all the owners of petrol pumps and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations to maintain and observe cleanliness in the washrooms and lavatories at all times whereas the situation had been disgusting in the federal capital.

Most of the petrol and CNG stations had ridiculed the instructions of OGRA to maintain cleanliness under National Clean and Green Drive.

Talking to APP, Babu Khan a worker at pharmaceutical company said that most of the gas stations and petrol pumps were in pathetic condition with dirty commodes, loose door locks and filthy soaps bar without soap that render a visitor unable to use the toilet for defecation.

“I am a daily traveler within the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad where I off and on have to use washrooms available at various gas stations but to my dismay few had no lavatories while the remaining have in disgusting condition,” he added.

He said that general public was not much aware to complain about the issue to the relevant stakeholders whereas they had to bear with this awful situation jeopardizing public health at large.

Tariq Zafar a masters student said that at times there were no public toilets available so they had to resort to petrol pumps or CNG stations for defecation whereas badly managed toilets made it health hazardous for people to use such pathetic washrooms.

He further said that the government should take strict action against the violators as they were explicitly putting public health and life at risk.

On contact, neither Director General Environment Wing Arfan Tariq nor OGRA official Asad Latif were available for official version over the matter and also the gas and petrol pump owners refused to gave any remarks.

However, OGRA in its circular, mentioned helpline number to register complaints at 0800-77733 and a WhatsApp number 03335108830 to share images and videos for prompt action on violation.