Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, May 14: MP Kota Srinivas Poojary has directed officials and gas companies to expedite the ongoing pipeline works for providing piped natural gas (PNG) connections to households in Udupi city and ensure gas supply to the public at the earliest.
Chairing a progress review meeting held at the district collector’s office hall in Manipal on Tuesday, the MP noted that the pipeline project to provide domestic gas connections has been under implementation for nearly ten years and is yet to be completed. He instructed the authorities to finish the pipeline works by June and begin supplying PNG connections to residents.
Awareness on PNG connections
The MP asked representatives of the gas companies to create awareness among the public regarding online applications for PNG connections through banners, pamphlets, and social media campaigns. During the meeting, officials informed him that around 35,000 households within the municipal limits are expected to receive gas supply, while pipeline connectivity is currently ready for about 1,500 houses.
Addressing CNG shortage
Raising concerns over long queues at CNG filling stations, the MP pointed out that auto-rickshaw drivers in the district are being forced to wait for hours to refuel their vehicles. To ease the shortage, he suggested deploying four additional jumbo vehicles for transporting CNG to the district.
Representatives from GAIL informed the gathering that pipeline installation work up to the ATGL terminal at Panambur is expected to be completed by the end of this month. Following this, an application will be submitted to PESSO for approval to charge the line. Once approval is granted and ATGL completes the required preparations, gas supply operations can commence.
The MP stated that the district currently has 11 CNG distribution units, and proposals have been submitted for setting up additional CNG stations in the Muniyalu and Ermalu areas.
CNG distributors informed the meeting that due to an increase in public events and functions, the present fleet of 17 trucks is insufficient to meet the growing demand for CNG supply.
Responding to this, the MP instructed the Adani Group and GAIL to work in coordination and arrange 10 additional CNG loads for the district while strictly following FIFO (First-In, First-Out) norms during fuel loading.
Reimbursement delays
The MP further addressed complaints that the Adani Group has been delaying the reimbursement of Mescom electricity bills to CNG distributors by three to four months, directing the company to take immediate corrective action.
District collector Swaroopa T K noted a shortage of technicians to handle emergencies at gas units and advised the gas companies to appoint additional CNG operators.
Deputy director of the food and civil supplies department Ravindra, officials from Adani and GAIL, owners of CNG distribution units, and others were present at the meeting.