PUNE: AKSS (Angamehnati Kashtakari Sangharsha Samiti), a city-based organization has asked for protection of the people involved in the activity of collection of used oil. The organization has said that nevertheless these people collect used oil; it is not used for unlawful supply or illegal sale.

On the other hand, this collected oil is supplied for recycling.

Nitin Pawar, the convener of AKSS said, “Those people who collect the used oil, and mainly lubricants, are from the under-privileged class in the city. This work is the only source of income for them”. “However, local administration is now initiating action against these people, and complaints are being registered against them with the police. Such action is not permissible”, he added.

He also stated that the state machinery has begun initiating strict action against oil corruption, especially after a government official in Nashik district was killed by oil mafias. Pawar also mentioned that those who collect used oil should not suffer, as they have been in this profession for the last 50 years. Because of a few bad names in this industry, others should not bear the brunt.

Pawar further said, “We have also requested the government to regularize the used oil collection practice. This will help officials understand the situation and such initiative would confine action against people involved in used oil collection. Not only this, but it will also stop the supply of collected oil for unofficial sale.”

- Anuja Bagaitkar