JK CM approves gas pipeline for Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, June 08  (Scoop News) –     Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday gave nod to the prestigious project of 750 kilometers gas pipeline from Bathinda-Jammu to Srinagar to be completed within 36 months from the launch of project.

            Chairing a high level meeting in this regard here, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of this facility for the people of the State adding that the energy problem especially in winter months would be greatly resolved by this project.

            The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, Chairman, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, I. Mansingh, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, Asgar Samoon and Pawan Kotwal, Commissioner Secretaries of Revenue and CAPD, Ajaz Iqbal and Pradeep Gupta and other senior officers.

            The Chief Minister said that by connecting Jammu and Kashmir to the National Gas Grid through this pipeline and ultimately linking individual households with the gas stations through a network of supply pipelines to get unabated gas supply throughout the year is the main objective of the project.

            “It will relieve the State from energy crisis to a greater extent and help divert hydro power for other judicious use”, he said adding that industrialization would get necessary impetus by this project. He said the household dependence on power for heating and cooking purposes will also shift to the cheapest gas energy to be provided through this project to the consumers in the State.

            Omar Abdullah said that natural gas would be available to domestic, commercial, transport, industries, agriculture and allied sectors through this project. “Its import through pipeline in winter months to the winter zone of the State will minimize the dependence of transportation of LPG cylinders in winter months when highways are usually blocked due to weather vagaries and heavy snowfalls”, he added.

            The Chief Minister also approved CAPD as nodal agency for the project at the State level while Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu would oversee its affairs at divisional level and respective Deputy Commissioners at the district levels.

            Omar Abdullah gave directions for fast tracking the project so that its benefits accrue to the people in a time bound manner. He asked the concerned agencies to work in coordination and be on same page while finalizing the strategies and proposals for the project.

            The Chief Minister was given a detailed brief about the project, it utility and efficacy for the State of Jammu and Kashmir in a PowerPoint presentation by the Chairman, Petroleum and Natural Gases Regulatory Board.

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