Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today participated in the function organised here on Thursday by Indian Oil-Adani Gas Private Limited (IOAG) on the occasion of foundation stones laying ceremony of city gas distribution projects for 65 geographical areas of 129 districts and launch of 10th city gas bidding round for 50 geographical areas covering 123 districts of the country by Prime Minister Narendra Modi live from Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on Thursday.He laid the foundation stones of six city gas distribution projects approved for the state by the union government.Speaking on this occasion, the Chief Minister said that it was a historic day for the people of the country as Prime Minister launched this project to provide environment friendly natural gas to half of the population of the country on low rates. He said that to improve the quality of life of the citizens, the state government in close coordination with the central government is making constant efforts to improve the access of clean energy in the state.Jai Ram Thakur thanked the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of the state for including six districts of Himachal Pradesh under this project through two geographical areas. He said that IOAG would develop city gas distribution network in Sirmaur, Solan and Shimla districts while Bharat Gas Resources Limited in Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Una districts.
Through this gas distribution system, more than 60 thousands households of the state would be supplied gas through pipeline. More than 55 CNG stations would be set up in the state and besides kitchen, the natural gas would also be supplied to industrial and commercial units.The Chief Minister said that this system would also go a long way in checking air pollution and bringing improvement in public health adding that it would also generate investment and employment opportunities in the years to come. He said that Baddi, Parwanoo and Barotiwala have been covered for development of city gas development network which are under development along-with Chandigarh by Indian Oil Corporation Limited and IOAG which would ensure CNG and PNG supply in Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister said that natural gas in the form of CNG is 60 percent cheaper than petrol and 45 percent cheaper as compared to diesel while in piped natural gas form it is 40 percent cheaper than LPG in market rates.The Chief Minister said that Ujjwala scheme of government of India has proved to be a boon for the citizens of India especially for hilly states like Himachal Pradesh with tough topographical conditions, where there is high dependency on timber for fuel. The state government has taken up a step ahead to benefit those families who are not covered under Ujjawala scheme by starting Himachal Grihini Suvidha Yojana. So far, more than 33,000 LPG connections and stoves have been distributed free-of-cost to the beneficiaries.Director, Marketing, IOAG Gurmeet Singh briefed about the key highlights of the project.Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Kishan Kapoor, Mayor Kusum Sadrate, senior officers of the state government and IOAG were present on the occasion.