In Jharkhand, Piped Natural Gas Project to Households Yet to Pick Up Speed

The implementation of the city gas distribution (CGD) networks in Jharkhand, which aims to supply piped natural gas (PNG) to households, is progressing at a slow pace, according to data shared by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The Centre had set a target of providing 21.09 lakh city gas connections across the state by 2031, but so far only about 1.48 lakh connections have been completed. However, the districts of Ranchi and East Singhbhum have seen a higher number of CGD connections than originally planned. The information was presented on December 12 during the ongoing winter session of the Lok Sabha, in response to a question raised by Ajsu Party MP, Chandra Prakash Choudhary. Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated in his written reply that providing PNG connections is part of the CGD network, which is authorized by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). PNGRB has authorized 11 general areas, including regions in Jharkhand and Bihar, for the CGD network. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), GAIL Gas Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), and Adani Total Gas Limited are the companies authorized by PNGRB to establish CGD networks across the state. In Ranchi, the project was approved in March 2018, during the Raghubar Das-led government. Initially, the target was to connect 29,962 households, but as of November 30 this year, over 58,019 connections had been provided. Similarly, East Singhbhum district exceeded its target, providing 43,136 connections compared to the target of 24,278. However, progress has been sluggish in other parts of Jharkhand. For example, the combined districts of Bokaro, Hazaribagh, and Ramgarh have only installed 10,166 connections against a target of 79,052. In Giridih and Dhanbad, 12,178 connections have been provided against a target of 50,000. In West Singhbhum, which includes Chaibasa, just 125 connections have been made out of the 6,025 required. GAIL officials, who are overseeing the project in Ranchi, did not respond to calls for comment. In Ranchi, the CGD project began as a pilot in Mecon Colony and was subsequently expanded to areas like Morabadi, Doranda, and parts of Harmu. However, many households that have access to the infrastructure are still waiting for gas connections.

Related Stories

Centre Doesn’t Owe Any Mining Royalty Dues: Minister

Union govt provides funds to states under various heads such as tax devolution.

Tata Steel Partners with NMDC, OMC to Secure Future Iron Ore Supplies

The company plans to operationalize new iron ore mines, Kalamang West and Gandalpada

Sarda Energy and SM Steels Secure Coal Mines in Latest Auction

These two blocks are expected to generate an annual revenue of Rs 339.06 cr