New Delhi: In a push to expand the reach of piped natural gas (PNG) in the capital, Delhi power minister Ashish Sood on Monday directed officials to fast-track the rollout of around 4 lakh new PNG connections to ensure wider coverage across the city.The move comes amid reports of LPG shortages in some parts of Delhi, with the govt aiming to reduce dependence on cylinders by scaling up PNG access.The directions were issued during a review meeting at the Delhi Secretariat, attended by senior officials from Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), Urban Development Department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Jal Board and Delhi govt.“The govt is committed to promoting clean, safe and accessible energy in the capital. A comprehensive strategy has been prepared to accelerate the expansion of PNG connections and ensure they reach a larger number of citizens,” Sood said.He added that extensive awareness campaigns would be launched in areas where PNG services are not yet available, with special drives planned in unauthorised colonies and rural areas to inform residents about the benefits of PNG.Delhi currently has the capacity to provide around 18 lakh PNG connections, of which approximately 14 lakh have already been installed. Officials have been instructed to work in mission mode to deliver the remaining connections at the earliest. At present, about 10,000 new PNG connections are being added every month, a figure that can be scaled up to 25,000 per month if required, an official said.“It has been decided to prioritise the use of PNG in public welfare schemes. Under this, PNG will be used in place of traditional gas cylinders in Atal Canteens, night shelter kitchens, mid-day meal kitchens, and MCD kitchens. The use of PNG will be promoted in all restaurants, hotels, gurdwaras and temples across Delhi. Instructions have been issued to lay pipelines at the earliest in places where cylinders are still in use,” said Sood.Sood also directed officials to simplify and make the process of obtaining PNG connections more transparent and citizen-centric. An intensive door-to-door campaign will be carried out to encourage residents to switch to PNG, an official said.“Special focus will be given to deploying modern technologies in challenging areas such as narrow lanes and multi-storey buildings to ensure uninterrupted gas supply for citizens,” Sood said.
