Raj targets 5L PNG connections in 3 mths

Jaipur: In a major push toward clean energy, the Rajasthan govt has set an ambitious target to provide domestic piped natural gas (DPNG) connections to five lakh homes within the next three months.To meet this aggressive deadline, additional chief secretary (Mines & Petroleum) Aparna Arora Monday directed all 13 City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies to accelerate their efforts and prepare detailed roadmaps. Currently, these companies issue an average of 50 domestic connections daily. Arora instructed them to increase this pace fourfold, targeting around 200 connections per day. "Areas where the infrastructure for DPNG and industrial PNG is already in place must see coordinated efforts between CGD companies, district administrations, and local citizens to issue connections promptly and promote the adoption of clean energy," Arora stated.District collectors have been tasked with directly overseeing the rollout, coordinating with gas companies, and conducting awareness programs to encourage public adoption. Highlighting the broader economic impact, Arora added, "This effort will represent a significant opportunity for households and businesses and aligns with the state and central govts' priorities to promote sustainable energy."Beyond residential expansion, the initiative will also focus on connecting industrial regions, textile clusters, commercial establishments, hotels, and roadside dhabas to ensure the benefits reach all sectors efficiently. Expressing confidence in the timeline, a senior official said, "So far, there is no crisis even if the war is ongoing. The target is achievable."During a recent review meeting, the govt stressed that companies must adhere to strict timelines without any lapses in execution. Emphasising the need for coordinated planning, infrastructure development, and proactive consumer outreach, another official said, "We have also reviewed progress reports from CGD companies and discussed strategies to further expand infrastructure while maintaining steady issuance of new connections, ensuring that the state moves rapidly toward widespread adoption of piped natural gas."