Survey finds gaps in infrastructure, safety at Zunheboto petrol pumps

Tokavi K Zhimo
Zunheboto | July  13

Petrol pumps in Zunheboto town are facing serious infrastructure and safety challenges, with residents highlighting the need for provisions of basic amenities in such outlets.

A survey conducted by The Morung Express in June revealed significant gaps in essential amenities at the only three operational petrol stations in the town.

These shortcomings include the absence of fire safety equipment, clean drinking water, functional washrooms, CCTV surveillance, dustbins, air pumps, first aid kits, and rooftop shelters.

The three stations surveyed were: HPCL Petrol Pump at Amiphoto Colony, Rai Bahadur Chunilal Agencies Petrol Pump at BOC, and MS Zhimo Service Station at Lizu Naghuto.

HPCL Petrol Pump
The HPCL petrol pump, located at Amiphoto Colony and reportedly owned by a minister, is managed by Chhotu Singh.

According to the manager, the station is operational and meets most basic requirements. However, CCTV cameras, a rooftop shelter, and an air pump were still missing at the time of the survey.

Chhotu Singh stated that CCTV installation is planned in the coming months, and proposals for the rooftop and air pump are already in the pipeline.

The station also has a non-functional electric vehicle (EV) charging point, which remains unused due to the lack of EVs in the area.

Fuel quality, quantity, and density at the petrol pumps have been tested by the Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection (LMCP) department, with the latest inspection conducted on March 8. The certification is valid for one year, it was informed.

The LMCP department conducts inspections twice a month to monitor fuel quality and standards at all petrol pumps.

Washrooms and drinking water facilities were available at the outlet at the time of the survey, although improvements remain necessary.

In the month of May, the HPCL petrol pump at Amiphoto Colony reported a monthly consumption of 52,398 litres of petrol and 53,369 litres of diesel.

Rai Bahadur Chunilal Agencies Petrol Pump
Meanwhile, the Rai Bahadur Chunilal Agencies, located at BOC (erstwhile Burmah Oil Company), was found lacking nearly all essential facilities.

There were no fire extinguishers, CCTV cameras, first aid kits, washrooms, drinking water, dustbins, or rooftop shelters at the time of the survey.

While fuel quality and quantity met acceptable standards as certified by the LMCP Department on May 10, the overall infrastructure was severely inadequate.

Staff at the site explained that pending bills and unresolved credit issues with a construction company have delayed the necessary renovation works.

The pump is reportedly owned by a top state bureaucrat.

MS Zhimo Service Station
Out of the three surveyed, MS Zhimo Service Station, located at Lizu Naghuto and reportedly owned by a private individual, was found to be the most ‘equipped.’

The station had four fire extinguishers, and CCTV cameras were installed at eight points at the time of the survey. However, only four cameras were functional.

There are two washrooms. Drinking water is available for staff only, not for customers. The station has a rooftop shelter, but no dustbins are available for public use.

An air pump is installed but has remained non-functional since its installation due to incomplete electrification work.

Fuel quality and quantity were last tested on May 13 by the LMCP and were found to be within normal standards.

The EV charging station at the site is under construction. The station employs four local staff members.

Residents expect basic safety and hygiene
Meanwhile, citizens of Zunheboto highlighted the need for fully equipped and functional fuel outlets in the town.

“It’s not just about filling fuel. We expect basic safety and hygiene,” opined a mother. “Some pumps don’t even have drinking water or working washrooms, and that’s unacceptable in this day and age.”

A private teacher also noted that petrol pump owners should stop neglecting basic necessities, adding, “We’re not asking for luxury, just basic necessities that should already be in place by now.”

A concerned father from Project Colony also pointed out that things can go wrong, especially at a petrol pump.

“Even if it’s just someone fainting from the heat, there should be first aid and drinking water available. It’s not too much to ask,” he added.

For daily users like taxi drivers who travel between Zunheboto and nearby villages, the state of petrol pumps has been a constant source of frustration.

“Some pumps don’t even have working air pumps, and when we ask, no one gives a straight answer. These facilities are supposed to be for public use, not just profit,” a driver stated.