CHENNAI: The government will supply free LPG connections only to those beneficiaries who adhere to safety requirements stipulated by oil companies.

A press release issued here said on Thursday that if those living in houses lacking the stipulated safety measures adopted these, the Government would, in a phased manner, provide them LPG connections.

The announcement comes in the backdrop of reservations voiced by many in the oil industry about fire safety hazards involved in supplying the highly inflammable petroleum product to huts.

Sources in the industry told The Hindu that in the ongoing inspection of premises, including those in Chennai city, it was found that many potential beneficiaries used a variety of materials as roofing for the huts. While thatched roof was common, some households used plastic sheets.

Given that such materials are prone to fire, and with many of the huts located in clusters having little access, an LPG fire accident could be catastrophic.

The announcement was bound to allay their apprehensions since it means that only those households conforming to the safety norms would be provided with the connection. The Government Order said that the kitchen in the households should have a platform of certain specifications. If it did not exist, the beneficiary should provide for it.

The national oil marketing companies are conducting workshops across the State to create awareness about safety norms to be adopted while using LPG. The objective is to inform the beneficiaries about how to use a cooking gas connection and what they should not do.

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