Rajasthan Government Accelerates PNG Adoption with Aggressive Daily Targets
In a significant move to boost clean energy usage, the Rajasthan state government has issued a directive to city gas distributors, mandating the addition of 2,500 to 3,000 new domestic piped natural gas (PNG) connections every day. This initiative aims to fast-track the transition from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to PNG across the entire state, enhancing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
High-Level Meeting Sets Ambitious Goals
The target was established by Chief Secretary V Srinivasan during a virtual meeting that included representatives from all 13 city gas distribution (CGD) companies operating in Rajasthan. This push follows a prior goal set by Mines and Petroleum Secretary Aparna Arora, who outlined plans to increase PNG connections in the state from the current 1.25 lakh to an impressive 5 lakh within the next three months.
Srinivasan emphasized the priority of connecting households to PNG services in areas where the necessary infrastructure is already developed. "Connecting households with PNG services in areas where the necessary infrastructure has been developed is a priority for both the Central and state governments," he stated. "The Central government has issued directives to switch over to PNG services in all areas where PNG infrastructure has been established. Industrial and commercial units located in these regions are also to be connected to natural gas pipelines."
Enhanced Monitoring and Public Outreach
To ensure effective implementation, the state government is closely tracking progress through coordinated efforts with the CGD companies. Aparna Arora highlighted the department's oversight, saying, "The department is maintaining regular oversight through effective coordination with the 13 CGD entities currently operating across 17 geographical areas within the state."
In addition, Srinivasan has instructed district collectors to launch comprehensive public outreach campaigns. These efforts are designed to persuade households to transition from LPG to PNG in regions where pipeline infrastructure is already in place. "All district collectors shall raise awareness by sharing comprehensive information regarding benefits of PNG, like its affordability, 24/7 availability, freedom from the hassles of booking refills, and its status as a safe, clean, and green energy source," he directed.
Current Status and Future Roadmap
During the meeting, Rajasthan State Gas Managing Director Ranveer Singh provided an update on the current status of PNG connections and detailed the roadmap for network expansion. "The state currently has 13 city gas distributors working across 17 geographical areas, with the latest target aimed at significantly speeding up household, industrial, and commercial conversion to natural gas," Singh explained.
Despite the aggressive push for PNG adoption, the government assured that petroleum product supplies remain stable in Rajasthan. State Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Forum Secretary Ambrish Kumar noted, "Different departments are regularly reviewing and monitoring the situation." This balanced approach ensures that energy needs are met while promoting sustainable alternatives.
The concerted efforts by the Rajasthan government, supported by central directives and local coordination, underscore a committed shift towards cleaner energy sources, benefiting both households and commercial sectors across the state.
