Haryana Government Issues Directive for Swift Gas Pipeline Approvals
In a significant move to enhance energy infrastructure, the Haryana government has instructed all municipalities to grant "deemed permission" for pending applications related to city gas distribution pipelines. Additionally, new requests must be approved within a strict 24-hour timeframe. This order, issued by Ashok Kumar Meena, Commissioner and Secretary of the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) department, aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays that have hindered the expansion of pipeline networks for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG).
Addressing Delays in Right-of-Way Permissions
The directive comes in response to persistent concerns over local authorities' sluggishness in granting right-of-way (ROW) permissions for gas pipeline projects. The state government highlighted that these delays have significantly slowed the development of pipeline-based infrastructure, impacting the availability of CNG and PNG for both domestic and commercial users. Under the new rules, all pending applications with municipalities will be automatically treated as approved, streamlining the approval process.
Clarification on Timeline and Implementation
In a subsequent clarification, the ULB department specified that these directions will remain effective until June 30, 2024. The Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) has already acted on this order by approving proposals for laying approximately 39 kilometers of PNG pipelines across the city. This proactive step underscores the urgency of the initiative.
Global Energy Concerns Prompt Action
The order follows communications from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, which indicated that ongoing geopolitical developments have disrupted global energy supplies. In response, the Central Government has invoked powers under the Essential Commodities Act to regulate the supply and distribution of natural gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Officials emphasized that rapid expansion of city gas infrastructure is critical for ensuring stable domestic energy supply and reducing dependence on LPG, especially during potential supply disruptions.
Statement from MCG Official
Sandeep Sihag, Executive Engineer at MCG, confirmed the municipality's compliance, stating, "We currently have no pending applications from agencies seeking to lay pipeline networks. We have clear directives to expedite and grant approval for new requests within a single day."
Operational Flexibility and Restoration Commitments
The order also provides operational flexibility for City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies. Municipalities are prohibited from imposing restrictions on CGD work regarding working hours or seasons, provided adequate safety precautions are followed. Furthermore, if CGD companies undertake restoration of public assets at their own cost and commit to restoring them to specified standards, they may be allowed to proceed with pipeline work in lieu of restoration and permission charges.
Challenges Outlined in the Order
Issued on March 23, the order detailed several challenges faced by the state, including:
- Slow expansion of pipeline-based infrastructure for CNG and PNG.
- Potential shortages of LPG during unforeseen events (referred to as "Black Swan" events).
- Insufficient CNG and PNG to replace LPG.
- Obstructions in timely completion of CNG/PNG infrastructure, causing delays in supply for domestic and commercial purposes.
Boosting Energy Security Across Haryana
Directions have been issued to accelerate the rollout of CNG and PNG infrastructure statewide, aiming to strengthen energy security by expanding access to natural gas. This initiative is particularly relevant in Gurgaon, where domestic LPG connections number 10.2 lakh, while PNG connections total 83,603—comprising 21,692 from Indraprastha Gas and 61,911 from Haryana City Gas.
The Haryana government's proactive measures are designed to foster a more resilient energy ecosystem, ensuring reliable gas supply and reducing dependency on traditional fuels amid global uncertainties.
