Chandigarh Launches Aggressive Drive to Transition from Bottled to Piped Gas
City administrators in Chandigarh have initiated an aggressive campaign to shift the city from reliance on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders to a piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure. This move is part of a broader push towards cleaner and safer urban energy, with the ambitious goal of quintupling the number of residential PNG connections in the near term.
Week-Long Blitz to Boost PNG Adoption
Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav has ordered a week-long blitz of community camps to address the city's heavy dependence on LPG. Currently, Chandigarh supports approximately 3.08 lakh LPG connections, compared to just 22,000 PNG connections. The initiative aims to surge PNG connections to a target of 1 lakh, leveraging infrastructure managed by Indian Oil Adani Gas Limited, which already covers nearly 30% of the city.
Bridging the Infrastructure Gap
Despite existing infrastructure, PNG adoption has remained stagnant. To bridge this gap, Yadav met with resident welfare associations (RWAs) and hospitality leaders to highlight the benefits of piped fuel, including uninterrupted supply and cost-effectiveness. He directed the Food and Supplies Department to conduct two registration camps per day in group housing societies over the next week, focusing on immediate on-the-spot registrations.
Priority for Commercial Hubs
The transition strategy emphasizes high-volume consumers, with key measures including:
- Commercial Prioritisation: Hotels, restaurants, and industrial eateries will be transitioned to the PNG network as a priority.
- Fast-Track Approvals: The municipal corporation and engineering department have been ordered to expedite permits for pipeline laying to ensure rapid expansion into remaining sectors.
- Guaranteed Timeline: In areas with existing main infrastructure, new connections must be provided to residents within one week of application.
Door-to-Door Awareness Campaign
To build public confidence and combat misinformation, the city will deploy a door-to-door awareness campaign. RWAs and local representatives are being tapped as key stakeholders to motivate residents to switch to PNG. Officials believe that by focusing outreach on existing infrastructure zones first, they can achieve immediate registrations and alleviate logistical strain on the LPG supply chain.
Safety Advantages of PNG
Officials highlighted that PNG offers significant safety advantages over pressurised LPG cylinders. Piped gas is lighter than air and dissipates quickly in the event of a leak, reducing the risk of household explosions. This safety feature is a core component of the drive for a safer urban energy environment in Chandigarh.
