Nashik Residents Frustrated by Delayed PNG Connections Amid Infrastructure Push
In Nashik city, a significant number of applicants for piped natural gas (PNG) connections are experiencing prolonged delays in receiving supply to their kitchens, sparking widespread discontent among taxpayers. Conversely, some residents who previously declined the switch to PNG are now urgently contacting officials to secure bookings, highlighting a shifting dynamic in the city's gas distribution landscape.
Disparities in Distribution and Infrastructure Challenges
Anushka Patil, a resident of Rajeev Nagar, voiced her frustration, stating, "The connections are made available in neighbouring buildings, but not to our building. I have paid for the connections, but not even the meter has been installed in any of the 8 flats in our building." This sentiment is echoed across Nashik, where visible infrastructure on streets contrasts sharply with the elusive "last-mile" connectivity.
Neeraj Chaudhary, an applicant from Nashik Road who cleared payments over a year and a half ago, pointed out, "The roads have been dug up across the city by Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL). As far as delivery is concerned, there are enormous delays. Every time any of our building members visit them, they have some or the other excuse." These delays have fueled anger among residents who feel neglected despite their financial commitments.
New 'Deemed Approval' Policy to Accelerate Rollout
MNGL authorities acknowledged that many areas faced hurdles in obtaining administrative approvals for laying pipelines and related works. However, a recent development offers hope: the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has introduced a 'deemed approval' policy. Under this regulation, permissions for pipeline laying are considered granted within 24 hours if local authorities raise no objections, potentially streamlining the process and reducing bureaucratic delays.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal emphasized the urgency, announcing, "As per the guidelines by the Central Government, the PNG connections have to be delivered on a war footing. At the same time, PNG connections, where infrastructure is ready, have been made compulsory for LPG consumers. Denials to switch over will mean consumers not getting domestic cylinder refills in any case." This mandate underscores the government's push to transition consumers to PNG, linking availability to compulsory adoption in ready areas.
Shift in Consumer Behavior: From Reluctance to Rush
Interestingly, the scenario is evolving as some consumers who initially showed little enthusiasm for PNG connections are now proactively seeking bookings. An MNGL officer revealed, "Over the weekend, we got several calls from office lines and sales teams who had previously met consumers asking them to get connected. They had refused then and are now rushing for booking of the connections." This shift suggests growing awareness or pressure, possibly driven by the compulsory measures and infrastructure visibility.
The situation in Nashik reflects broader challenges in urban gas distribution, balancing infrastructure development with timely delivery. As the 'deemed approval' policy takes effect, residents and authorities alike await improvements, hoping for a more equitable and efficient rollout of PNG connections across the city.
