By Our Reporter
Shillong, Dec 8: A road show for the 12th City Gas Distribution (CGD), bidding round was hosted by Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), here on Friday.
The 12th CGD bidding round aimed at achieving 100% coverage of the country by expanding the reach of natural gas by offering eight geographical areas covering six Northeast states and Union Territories (UTs) of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Upon completion of the 12th CGD bidding round, almost the entire country (except Islands), will be covered under the City Gas Distribution network.
This landmark achievement by PNGRB will provide access to cleaner cooking fuel for households, support industrial and commercial facilities, and fuel transportation, marking a giant leap towards achieving a gas-based economy and would greatly help in conserving the natural environment.
The event was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar in the presence of Chairperson PNGRB Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, other officials and key stakeholders from the oil and gas sector of the country.
Dhar appreciated the impressive strides made by PNGRB, through the CGD initiatives undertaken in the last 11 rounds.
He noted that this will help in developing India into a gas based economy. He also highlighted the virtues of Natural Gas and the positive impact it will have i.e. increase in job opportunities, providing access to clean energy along with supporting and developing local businesses.
Dhar also recognised the tremendous potential in collaborating with PNGRB for development of natural gas infrastructure in the state and setting up of incubation centres for the entrepreneurial and skill development of the youth of Meghalaya.
The deputy chief minister also provided assurance of policy and administrative support to the stakeholders.
Dr. Anil Kumar Jain articulated PNGRB’s current focus on creation of a vibrant and sustainable gas infrastructure across the entire country especially in the Northeast states.
He highlighted the fact that northeast region as a whole has ample gas resources and arrival of cross-country pipelines as well as CGD networks is a singular event in the energy story of Northeast India.
With the completion of Barauni Guwahati trunk pipeline, and Guwahati-Dimapur pipeline by GAIL and IGGL, the NE part of the country will be integrated with the national gas grid.
Dr. Jain also urged the state government to bring reform with regards to taxation on natural gas and developing a CGD policy in the state of Meghalaya on the basis of draft policy provided by MoPNG.
He also highlighted that the state government is itself a major procurer of vehicles which could be shifted to CNG based considering the fact that CNG is a much cleaner fuel than liquid fuels.
Dr. Jain concluded by sending out a call to all stakeholders to identify the huge potential in development of CGD network in GAs as offered under 12th CGD bidding round.