Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, June 1: There is good news for the people from rural and remote areas of the State because they will now get cooking gas (LPG) cylinders at their door-steps as the Government is going to open 172 new LPG outlets/agencies in many parts of Ladakh, Kashmir and hilly and uncovered areas of Jammu region.
Highly placed sources in the CAPD Department disclosed that process of opening new LPG agencies has already started. The Oil and Gas companies in consultation with the State CAPD Department and also on the recommendations of the respective Deputy Commissioners and legislators, have identified the places where these new agencies are being opened.
Some Oil and Gas agencies have also invited applications from the appointment of LPG dealers/ distributors. While all the districts and some tehsil headquarters have already been covered, this time the focus is being given at the block level and even in some large Panchayat Halqas for opening new outlets.
The Government has even this time identified the remote blocks like Duggan in Bani, some towns of Basohli and Billawar in Kathua, Chhatroo, Chngam, Gandoh areas in Kishtwar, parts of Doda and Ramban besides, Gool- Mahore in Reasi, Budhal-Kotranka, Darhal in Rajouri, Mandi, Loran and Mendhar in Poonch, Dudu-Basantgarh and Chenani in Udhampur and many areas of Kargil, Leh, Kupwara, Handwara and Anantnag in Kashmr.
People of these remote areas always have to face lot of problems to get LPG cylinders from the district of tehsil headquarters. There is no home delivery system for them and they themselves travel to the agency and move back to their place in the public transport. Even the ladies whose husbands work away from their homes, have to face hardships while getting LPG and they spend their whole day in getting just one gas cylinder.
Sources further disclosed that out of the 172 LPG outlets, nearly 50 % will be opened in Jammu region and 5% in Kashmir. In Kargil and Leh districts total 18 such gas agencies are being opened. This area needs much attention as timber is hardly available there. Demand of some additional quota of agencies has been projected from that area.
Minister in-charge CAPD Mohd Ramzan disclosed at present a total 114 LPG outlets exist in J&K State. Out of them, 62 are in Jammu region while 52 in Kashmir. He said that LPG distributors are being appointed by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas through its oil marketing companies but CAPD has also its role in it.
Replying to another question the Minister said out of the total 172 new outlets coming up, 18 will be opened in Ladakh region. He said on the basis of demands projected by legislators, some agencies have been recommended in the uncovered areas. The priority of the Government has remained this time to cover the areas which have remained uncovered so far.
Referring to the norms fixed for opening of LPG outlets, Ramzan said the Oil and Gas companies have fixed the criteria as per population, demand and distance from the existing agency. He further maintained that the department checks shortfall through the field functionaries and communicates the same to the concerned companies.
Regarding Bathinda-Jammu gas line project, the Minister said that Haryana had raised some objections and the matter has been taken up with the concerned Chief Minister and the permission by Punjab Government is also yet to be cleared.
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