Chandigarh, November 27:- The Haryana government is preparing to implement a modern and investor-friendly City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy with an aim to accelerate the development of natural gas infrastructure in the state.
Chairing a review meeting with the Industries and Commerce Department and other concerned departments, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Rastogi directed the officials to incorporate the suggestions received from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) in the policy so that the new policy is in line with national standards and industry requirements.
The Chief Secretary expressed confidence that the new CGD Policy will strengthen Haryana’s energy security, boost ease of doing business and make Haryana one of the leading states in the country in the field of clean and sustainable energy infrastructure.
The proposed CGD Policy is expected to open up opportunities for investment from both the public and private sectors in natural gas pipelines and distribution networks. The Chief Secretary said that this policy will create a conducive environment for construction of pipeline infrastructure. Also, it will ensure fair competition and consumer interests related to access and safety will also be taken care of.
He said that the expansion of the CGD network will help the state reduce its dependence on crude oil by promoting the use of clean energy among industries and domestic consumers.
Under the draft CGD Policy-2025, companies authorized by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board will be able to obtain Right of Use (RoU) and Right of Way (RoW) approval through the state's single window portal www.investharyana.in. Applicants will have to submit a GIS-based route map, work plan, land allocation and technology to be used – such as HDD, trenchless boring or open trenching – along with the Common Application Form. The fee structure has been made transparent in the policy and the fixed fees have been clearly defined, simplifying all financial processes.
Dr. Amit Kumar Agarwal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, said that the new policy is an updated version of the CGD policy formulated by HSIIDC in the year 2010, which has been incorporated with modern technical and administrative requirements. The Industries and Commerce Department will act as the nodal agency for the implementation of the new policy and coordination with all the concerned departments.