Punjab cabinet clears policy for laying of gas pipelines

The Punjab Cabinet today approved policy guidelines to facilitate laying of gas pipelines across the state.

The move is in line with a High Court directive to the state government to frame a uniform policy for laying of such pipelines, officials said.

The policy was drafted after examining the policy of Gujarat as suggested by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), and in consultation with the concerned departments, they said.

At a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, the state cabinet gave its nod to the new guidelines for grant of permission, levy of restoration charges and determination of compensation for Right of Use of Way for laying of City Gas Distribution Network (CGDN) on land belonging to State Government Departments/Urban Local Bodies/State Authorities.

This will facilitate laying of gas pipelines, under the CGDN, by licensed entities/firms/companies which have been awarded the work.

A spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that as per the policy, an annual rent of Rs 50 per running meter has been prescribed.