Omar gives nod to 750-km gas pipeline to JK

Srinagar:  In what could provide a major relief to consumers in power starved Jammu and Kashmir, the state government has approved a 750-kilometre-long gas pipeline from Bhatinda which will connect the state with the National Gas Grid.Chairing a high level meeting here Wednesday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah gave nod to the project which is to be completed within 36 months from its launch.The Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) has been approved as nodal agency for the project at the state level while Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu would oversee matters at divisional level and respective Deputy Commissioners at the district levels.Highlighting the significance of the facility for the people of the State, Abdullah said that the energy problem especially in winter months would be greatly resolved by this project.“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,” Abdullah said, according to an official communiqué.“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.Abdullah 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. “Gas import through pipeline in winter months 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.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 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 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.