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The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mr Omar Abdullah, has given the nod to the proposed 750-km gas pipeline from Bathinda in Punjab via Jammu to Srinagar, which is expected to be completed in three years from the launch of project.
Chairing a high-level meeting on Wednesday, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of this facility to the State, saying the energy problem, especially in winter months, would be greatly reduced by the project.
Objective
The Chief Minister said that by connecting Jammu and Kashmir to the National Gas Grid through the pipeline and ultimately linking individual households with gas stations through a network of supply pipelines to get unabated gas supply throughout the year is the objective of the project.
“It will relieve the State from energy crisis to a great extent and help divert hydro power for other judicious use,” he said, adding that industrialisation would get necessary impetus by this project.
Mr Omar 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.
He said 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 minimise the dependence of transportation of LPG cylinders in winter months when highways are usually blocked due to weather vagaries and heavy snowfalls,” he added.
Nodal agency
The Chief Minister also approved Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) department 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.
Mr Omar 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 finalising the strategies and proposals for the project.
The Chief Minister was given a detailed brief about the project, its utility and efficacy for the State in a PowerPoint presentation by the Chairman, Petroleum and Natural Gases Regulatory Board.
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