Srinagar, June 8: Jammu and Kashmir government Wednesday gave nod to the prestigious gas pipeline project from Bathinda in Punjab via Jammu to Srinagar, expected to be completed within three years.
Chairing a high level meeting to review the 750-km long pipeline project, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted the significance of this facility for the people of the state saying that the energy problem especially in winter months would be greatly resolved by this project.
The contract for the Bathinda-Jammu-Srinagar gas pipeline project has been awarded by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) of India to Gujarat State Petronet Corporation (GSPC), a subsidiary of Gujarat government. The letter of intent regarding the execution of the project was issued by PNGRB secretary Rattan P Wattal to GSPC on May 18, 2011.
The Chief Minister said 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 great extent and help divert hydro power for other judicious use," he said, adding that industrialisation would get necessary impetus by this project.
Omar 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.
He said 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 minimise 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) department as 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.
Omar 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 finalising the strategies and proposals for the project.
The Chief Minister was given a detailed brief about the project, its utility and efficacy for the state of Jammu and Kashmir in a PowerPoint presentation by the Chairman, Petroleum and Natural Gases Regulatory Board.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 8 Jun 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 8 Jun 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 9 Jun 2011 00:00:00 IST