Syed Aijaz

Pulwama 23 May (KNS): In view of spike in COVID-19 cases and to intensify the efforts in the fight against the pandemic, District Adminstration in the interest and safety of both customers and staffers/salesmen at the retail outlet points has issued orders for implementing the ‘No Mask No Fuel’ rule.
As Petrol Pump / HSD retail outlets are already listed under essential commodities services during the lockdown restrictions; the district administration has directed these not to sell fuel to those not wearing face masks to ensure the safety of both sellers as well as consumers.
The directive will coerce the consumers to wear masks all the times as petrol pumps can also be the potential source of infection.

The District Magistrate/ Chairman DDMA, Dr Raghav Langer directed the AD, FCS & CA and all Tehsildars to ensure the compliance of directions with immediate effect. All petrol pumps /HSD retail point owners have been directed to prominently display the copy of said order and No Mask No Fuel rule signage at their respective outlets.

The enforcement officials shall regularly do surprise inspections to ensure strict compliance and shall also randomly cross check the sale operations at these retail points through CCTV footage.
The order further reads that any non compliance shall invoke penal action under section 51 (b) of Disaster Management Act 2005 and section 3 of Epidemic Disease Control Act.

It is worthwhile to note that DDMA Pulwama has already notified penalties for spitting in public places and non wearing of masks in public places which warrants a fine of Rupees 500 on the spot.
The market checking teams of FS&CA , Legal Meteorology, Food Safety and Standards, Municipal Committees under the supervision of Tehsildars / Executive Magistrates Ist Class have already been entrusted the task of regulating social distancing norms with an aim to break the chain of infection.
Social distancing at prominent places like grocery shops , vending points and other shops dealing with essential commodities has been made mandatory in the district. (KNS)