Minister calls on States-ULBs to promote PNG adoption
Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal has underscored the critical role of cities as engines of economic growth and called for mission-mode implementation to accelerate Piped Natural Gas (PNG) expansion, and set an ambitious target of providing 50 lakh new PNG connections.
Addressing a Roundtable Review Meeting on “Expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) Services and Maintaining Essential Services” in urban areas on 28 Mar, he has called for key priorities, including institutionalisation of single-window approvals, integration of PNG infrastructure into urban planning, facilitation of last-mile connectivity and convergence with ongoing urban development initiatives.
Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has also highlighted the evolving global energy landscape and stressed the importance of strengthening PNG infrastructure to enhance energy security and resilience.
Puri encouraged States and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to actively promote PNG adoption, particularly in areas where infrastructure is already available.
Also speaking at the roundtable, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi emphasised the need to maintain uninterrupted essential supplies, curb misinformation, and prevent black marketing of fuel.
He advised States to strengthen monitoring and vigilance mechanisms and to encourage consumers to transition from LPG to PNG wherever feasible, with priority given to public institutions such as schools and colleges.
Deliberations during the roundtable highlighted several best practices, including fast-tracking of road-cutting permissions and adoption of deemed approval mechanisms to expedite project implementation.
State representatives shared their experiences and emphasised the importance of enhanced coordination among Urban Development Departments, Municipal bodies, and Food & Civil Supplies Departments for seamless implementation. There was broad consensus on facilitating a phased and structured transition from LPG to PNG in areas with existing infrastructure, supported by adequate consumer awareness and safeguards to prevent disruption of essential services. Fiinews.com
