Pune Housing Societies Targeted for Piped Natural Gas Adoption Drive
The Maharashtra cooperation department has launched a significant initiative to accelerate the adoption of piped natural gas (PNG) across housing societies in Pune. This move aims to alleviate the pressure on LPG supply systems and promote cleaner energy usage in residential areas.
Extensive Outreach to Society Leaders
District deputy registrars are actively engaging with chairmen and committee members of more than 6,000 housing societies in the city. Their primary focus is on societies where the necessary infrastructure for PNG is already in place, but actual usage remains disappointingly low. According to state cooperation commissioner Deepak Taware, there are 22,955 housing societies in Pune, with 6,035 having access to piped gas connections. However, only 20-30% of residents in these societies are currently utilizing this service.
The department is drafting formal letters to urge all members in these societies to switch to piped gas connections at the earliest opportunity, as stated by Taware. This directive is part of a broader strategy to reduce the dependency on LPG cylinders and enhance energy efficiency.
Collaborative Efforts and Strategic Meetings
Last week, the cooperation department convened a crucial meeting with members of the state housing federation and the Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) to discuss implementation strategies. Federation representatives confirmed that they have already disseminated the message to all affiliated members and are assisting by providing detailed information on societies with existing PNG connections.
MNGL director Bageshree Manthalkar emphasized that the campaign is specifically targeting societies where pipelines are laid but residents have not yet opted for PNG. "The facility is at their doorstep, yet many are not using it. The cooperation department is writing to the chairman and society members to change this promptly," she explained. Manthalkar also noted that PNG connections are being fast-tracked for additional societies to expand coverage.
Expansion Beyond Residential Societies
In a related development, MNGL has successfully provided piped gas connections to 10 prominent colleges in Pune for their hostel mess facilities. Plans are underway to extend this service to the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), with a survey currently in progress to assess feasibility and requirements.
Challenges and Potential Incentives
A district deputy registrar who participated in the recent meeting suggested that offering incentives could significantly boost adoption rates. However, housing society representatives have highlighted several persistent challenges, including lack of awareness, internal approval processes, and cost concerns. These issues are particularly pronounced in older buildings where LPG cylinders often serve as a backup, complicating the transition to PNG.
Overall, this initiative represents a concerted effort by state authorities to modernize energy consumption in Pune's residential sectors, aiming for a smoother, more sustainable future.
