7 dists of Assam, Tripura included in gas distribution network

Seven districts of Assam and Tripura in the North East have been included in the 86 geographical areas offered in the ninth round of bidding for City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks by Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).

In Assam, Kamrup (Metro) and Kamrup in Brahmaputra Valley and the three districts -- Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj of Barak Valley -- have been included, PNGRB Chairman D K Saraf said at the Ninth CGD Bidding Round Roadshow held here today.

In Tripura, West Tripura and Gomati district have been included in the geographical areas for bidding, he said.

The Assam Gas Company Limited (AGCL) already provides Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to six districts of Upper Assam -- Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat.

"Gas production in North East is, however, much less than requirement and so the Barauni-Guwahati pipeline is the extension of the Urja Ganga pipeline and will supply gas from Guwahati to all state capitals of the North East," he added.

The Centre has accorded top priority to CDG as it is a a green fuel and will lead to sustainable and clean economy, Saraf said.

Assam Education and Guwahati Development Minister Siddharta Bhattacharya said that the state government will ensure full security and cooperation of government agencies to the investors.

In the Ninth CGD Bidding round, PGNRB has offered 86 geographical areas in 22 states and Union territories, covering 29 per cent of population and 24 per cent of the geographical area.

With the final authorisation of this round of bidding, gas distribution would reach 286 districts spread over 25 states/UTs, covering 60 crore or 49 per cent of the country's population and 35 per cent area.

PGNRB is organising roadshows across the country at 14 locations with Guwahati being the sixth and three at intetnational locations -- Dubai, London and Singapore.

The roadshow, organised in collaboration with Central and state governments, is aimed at creating awareness among the people and ensure that the objectives are achieved.