‘No Helmet, No Petrol’ rule flouted in Morigaon, fuel supplied in violation of safety norms

Despite strict directives from the government and district administration, violations of the ‘No Helmet, No Petrol’ policy continue unabated at some petrol pumps in Morigaon district, raising serious concerns over road safety enforcement.

The policy was introduced to ensure the safety of two-wheeler riders by making helmet use mandatory before fuel is dispensed. However, recent visuals from an Indian Oil petrol pump at Naokata in Morigaon have highlighted a blatant disregard for the rule. Pump staff were seen supplying petrol to a two-wheeler rider who was not wearing a helmet.

When questioned, the concerned pump employee offered an unusual justification, claiming that the rider was facing an “emergency” or was on urgent work, and hence fuel was provided despite the absence of a helmet. Ironically, a large signboard at the entrance of the same petrol pump clearly reads “NO HELMET, NO PETROL,” contradicting the practice being followed inside the premises.

The pump employee identified himself as Babu Bora and stated that he has been working at the outlet for the past four to five months. What has further intensified concerns is that similar violations were reportedly witnessed again, suggesting that such breaches are not isolated incidents but part of a recurring pattern.

The repeated flouting of safety norms has sparked questions about whether petrol pump authorities are permitting their staff to bypass rules under the pretext of “emergencies.” Despite periodic enforcement drives by the district administration, the continued violations point to weak implementation on the ground.

It now remains to be seen what action the concerned departmental authorities will take against petrol pumps that continue to defy the ‘No Helmet, No Petrol’ policy, undermining both the law and the safety of road users.