Bhubaneswar: The Khordha district administration has directed oil marketing companies, fuel retailers, and dealers to ensure the priority supply of petrol and diesel to essential service providers under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Khordha District Magistrate and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Amrit Ruturaj, on Monday issued the order under Section 34(e) of the Act, citing the critical dependence of essential services on an uninterrupted fuel supply.
The directive covers healthcare facilities, ambulances, fire services, and other emergency response systems that rely on diesel generator sets for backup power during outages, as well as petrol and diesel for transportation.
The District Magistrate said that any disruption in fuel supply to such services could severely impact patient care and emergency response operations, and may even lead to loss of life.
The order mandates that the fuel requirements of hospitals, registered healthcare institutions, ambulances, fire services, and educational hostels be prioritised without delay.
It further warns that any refusal to supply fuel to these institutions will invite strict action against the concerned fuel dealers or suppliers.
Violation of the order is punishable under the Disaster Management Act with imprisonment of up to one year, a fine, or both. In cases where obstruction poses a risk of death or accidental danger, the punishment may extend up to two years of imprisonment.
The district administration has urged all stakeholders to strictly comply with the directive in the interest of public safety and emergency preparedness.