Date:26/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/26/stories/2007102658220300.htm

Karnataka

Angry auto drivers go on snap strike

Staff Correspondent

Autorickshaws using LPG cylinders were seized on Wednesday

Autorickshaws were off the road from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday
Officials say diversion of LPG cylinders will not be allowed

DAVANGERE: Autorickshaw drivers went on a snap strike on Thursday in protest against the seizure of autorickshaws being run on LPG cylinders. Autorickshaws stayed off the road from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In a joint operation, the Transport, Police and Food and Civil Supplies departments conducted a surprise check on autorickshaws on Wednesday. Those vehicles using LPG cylinders were seized, and cases were booked against the drivers. Headquarters assistant to the Deputy Commissioner Bettasurmutt told The Hindu that although the district administration knew that LPG cylinders were being misused, it did not take action. But after an LPG filling station was opened in Davangere, autorickshaw drivers had no reason to continue using LPG cylinders. This diversion led to a severe scarcity of LPG cylinders in Davangere some months ago.

Autorickshaw drivers claimed that LPG cylinders gave more mileage than LPG filled from the new outlet. They said that adequate warning should be given before such drives were conducted. They demanded withdrawal of the cases booked and urged the district administration to return the cylinders seized.

Misuse

However, the district administration said that the gas supplied at the LPG outlet here was no different to that supplied in Bangalore and Mysore. Autorickshaw drivers would not be allowed to use LPG cylinders to run their vehicles. The cases would not be withdrawn and the cylinders would not be returned.