The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), an oil regulator, has initiated the process of bidding for licences to retail compressed natural gas (CNG) in seven geographical areas, primarily located in the North East and Jammu & Kashmir. This endeavour is expected to attract investments of up to USD 4.5 billion for the development of natural gas infrastructure as the Government strives to expand the utilisation of eco-friendly fuel across the nation. The UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are part of the 12th city gas distribution (CGD) bidding round. This initiative aims to make CNG accessible for automobiles and also extend its distribution to residential kitchens and industrial applications. This bidding round for the Himalayan states represents a significant step in providing cleaner fuel within the delicate ecosystems of these regions.
The Government’s endeavours are of paramount significance, particularly in the context of long-term benefits. CNG stands out as a notably economical, less environmentally detrimental, easily manageable, and secure energy source. In contrast, the conventional method of transporting LPG through trucks and subsequently storing it in metal cylinders is both laborious and cost-intensive, contributing to a substantial degree of pollution, particularly through the use of vehicles. The Government has astutely recognised the limitations of LPG, taking into account factors such as cost-effectiveness and environmental concerns. What may have appeared as a distant aspiration a decade ago is now becoming a tangible reality.
The introduction of city gas distribution in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is set to deliver substantial advantages to these UTs. In regions grappling with severe winter conditions that impede transportation, stockpiling sufficient LPG each year is a formidable challenge. This predicament results in both economic burdens and significant hardships, with the most vulnerable segments of society bearing the brunt of these challenges. Moreover, power outages exacerbate the situation, as the provision of heating during the harsh winters becomes indispensable, often necessitating the use of fossil fuels. With the implementation of city gas distribution, these bottlenecks and predicaments will be effectively mitigated. The project encompasses the laying of pipelines, the establishment of essential infrastructure, and the operationalization of gas distribution networks in city after city. Such an undertaking holds the promise of generating ample employment opportunities, fostering the emergence of local industries to supply materials for gas distribution, and significantly benefiting both the Government and the populace.
The advantages are far-reaching: substantial foreign currency savings, the adoption of environmentally friendly fuel sources, and the provision of a seamless and consistent energy supply. Cities within the winter zones of Kashmir, Ladakh, and Jammu stand to gain immensely from this, particularly in the form of improved heating arrangements for hospitals and hotels, even in the absence of a continuous electricity supply. While developed nations have, to a considerable extent, fallen short of their obligations to diminish carbon emissions under the Paris Agreement, India remains resolute in its dedication to fulfilling its commitments. The nation is ardently pursuing an emphasis on environmentally sound domestic energy sources as part of a relentless endeavour to attain the established objectives.
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