In the famous case, "M.C.MEHTA versus Union of India & Ors", the Supreme Court ordered that all public transport vehicles in Delhi be changed over to run on CNG. A certain self-appointed environmentalist NGO (which could actually be called an "eco-terrorist") has been flaunting this as a great achievement. The said NGO persuaded SC to ignore the recommendations of an expert committee on the topic and accept those of a lay-committee. Subsequently, over the years, the safety of CNG buses has been repeatedly questioned, and investigations have shown that all is not well. Even the alleged environmental benefits attributed to the changeover to CNG have been questionable. CNG is stored in HIGH-PRESSURE cylinders (100 times atmospheric), and the constant jolts the kits receive in the vehicles demand that the engineering and maintenance be PERFECT, and that the operators be technically knowledgeable. These demands are difficult to meet and have not been met. The tragic result is accidents like this one. I hope the SUPREME COURT will take a second look at its order.
RE:Safety of CNG buses
by Raj Bhardwaj on Jan 29, 2008 09:00 AM Permalink
Further to my above post: Reports in other news sources indicate that it was LPG, and NOT CNG.
People have to come forward voluntarily without waiting it to happen again and stop all non sesnces happening around. First of all, pleople should give instat punishment to the law breaker and law enforcement agents. Otherwise wiit to witness to make a next news.
It's very sad to know about this.Let god give courage to all the family members whose beloved children lost their lives in such tragic instance.Government should take strict measures to avoid such vehicles being rented as school vans.How come school authorities can allow such LPG fitted vans as a mode of transport...Is this the education they provide to children?No basic science knowledge...
RE:Deep condolences
by Krishnamurthy P.V. on Jan 29, 2008 12:01 PM Permalink
I think there is total confusion over this.Some reports say it was LPG, your news is of CNG.Which is correct? Times of India Mumbai said that the van was carrying LPG cylinders for home use, one of which leaked etc. There are any number of vehicles in Mumbai which are fitted with CNG kits and some LPG kits. All do function well, if they are from an authorised sourse.All taxis are running on CNG for last 15 years.No problem.Supreme Court and the NGO were correct in bringing some order in Delhi.Many rickas and taxis were using even kerosene, etc.and polluting Delhi. We have a tendency to mix up and exaggerate and create panic.
RE:that is might not be a CNG
by Shanker Shetty on Jan 28, 2008 07:25 PM Permalink
I KNOW, THERE ARE LOTS OF VEHICLES ARE CONVERTED TO LGP KIT FROM PETROL VERSION TO SAVE COSTS. THESE HAVE BEEN DONE EVEN ILLIGALLY WITHOUT AUTOMAKERS APPROVAL. THE CULPRITS SHOULD BE PUNISHED SEVERALY. WHO-SO-EVER IS ILLIGALLY FITTED THE KIT OF THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE WHO HAS GOT IT FITTED. THIS IS HIGHLY DISCOURAGE OF CNG OR LPGS KITS. WHICH EVER IS PRONE TO SUCH ACCIDENTS!
RE:that is might not be a CNG
by Amandeep Singh on Jan 28, 2008 05:54 PM Permalink
You are absloutely right. It was an LPG cylinder fitted van. All channels are showing that. Seems like people don't think about precious lives and use LPG cylinders meant for domestic use.
what about over crowding of the VAN?
by on Jan 28, 2008 03:15 PM Permalink | Hide replies
The van was carrying 11 children. and most of the school vans and buses and even autos in india are over crowded with more than double the school kids.. but nobody ever talks about it. even during accidents it will be a talk about accident only.
90% of the school vans in delhi are CNG and are extremenly dangerous, it is a disaster waiting to be happened. This is a warning call for authorities, police and government machinery to step up the efforts to stop this disaster.
RE:Clear and present danger
by Anand YNI on Jan 28, 2008 09:22 PM Permalink
CNG is NOT dangerous. It is the LPG that is dangerous. Many a car has been burnt because of defective LPG kit. The whole thing is illegal and all those responsible for the death of innocent kids because of the LPG burst should be severely punished.
RE:Clear and present danger
by Amandeep Singh on Jan 28, 2008 05:52 PM Permalink
Who said that? TThey are running on illegal LPG cylinders which are basically meant for domestic use. Parents tend to save some money and rely on such unscruplous people who run illegal LPG fitted vans.
ALL THE VEHICLE CARYING CNG TANK OR ANY OTHER TANK SHOULD NOT ALLOWED BY THE SCHOOL. FIR HAS TO BE LODGE ON THE SCHOOL FIRST FOR ALOWING SUCH ACTIVITY.
RE:Killer Schoolz
by Amit Sharma on Jan 28, 2008 06:05 PM Permalink
The parents had arranged the vehicle and not the school. why should the school be blamed for it.