Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary SP Goyal has directed state departments and city gas distribution companies to accelerate the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) connections across residential and commercial establishments, including high-rise buildings, educational institutions and security force facilities.
Goyal issued the directions while chairing a meeting of the state-level committee on city gas distribution network expansion and development. The committee reviewed measures to increase PNG connections and speed up administrative formalities required for extending the network.
The chief secretary instructed departments to expedite pending processes related to demand notes issued by district administrations and other concerned authorities. Gas distribution companies were also asked to resolve matters involving the deposit of security amounts and other formalities that may be delaying connections.
As part of the expansion drive, the companies have been asked to conduct a special campaign to install PNG connections in as many homes and commercial establishments as possible. The direction places the focus not only on network availability but also on converting that availability into active household and institutional connections.
Goyal specifically directed that PNG connections be extended to high-rise buildings under all urban development authorities and urban local bodies in the state. The government has asked for meetings with resident welfare associations and building owners to encourage the adoption of PNG in these buildings.
The focus on high-rises brings building-level coordination into the expansion process. Resident welfare associations and owners will be part of discussions on adopting PNG connections, while gas distribution companies and government departments will need to complete the related administrative and security deposit requirements.
The chief secretary also called for PNG connections to be provided in place of LPG cylinders in police and paramilitary force facilities, as well as educational institutions falling under the Exempted Category. “Provide PNG connections in place of LPG cylinders in police, paramilitary forces and educational institutions falling under the Exempted Category,” Goyal said during the meeting.
The meeting did not specify a statewide completion deadline, the number of new connections targeted or the districts and urban local bodies to be covered first. The immediate next steps identified in the report are the disposal of pending formalities, special outreach by gas distribution companies and consultations with resident welfare associations and building owners.
