Omar Abdullah approves gas pipeline project for J-K

Srinagar, June 8 (ANI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday gave nod to the prestigious 750 kilometers gas pipeline project from Bathinda-Jammu to Srinagar to be completed within 36 months from its launch.

Chairing a high-level meeting in this regard here, Abdullah 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 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, and added 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.

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 Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) as a 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.

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 Chairman, Petroleum and Natural Gases Regulatory Board, gave the chief minister a detailed brief about the project, it utility and efficacy for Jammu and Kashmir in a power point presentation. By Tahir Nadeem Khan (ANI)