Industries scheduled to receive gas by early April
TEAM HERALD
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
PANJIM: Work on the gas pipeline of Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), is likely to be completed by March-end, and industries are scheduled to receive gas by early April, giving a major boost to alternative source of energy for industries in the State.
The GAIL pipeline, which connects Dabhol, Maharashtra to Bidadi in Karnataka, was to be tapped at Gokak (Karnataka) and diverted to Goa, where the gas was to be used as fuel by industries. The project had received approval from the GAIL board in 2009. Goa was expecting to get the pipeline laid by December 2012. However, it faced opposition from farmers and locals at various points.
Speaking to HERALD, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries President, Manguirish Pai Raikar said that the pipeline is nearing completion as almost 98-99 per cent work of the pipeline is completed. The entire project will get completed by end of this financial year, while the flow of gas is expected from early April, he informed.
“In the first phase, the Zuari Industrial Estate would be supplied with fuel,” Raikar said, adding ‘the completion of project will give a major boost to industrial sector’.
Sources from Industries Department confirmed the development. ‘The State government agencies have managed to convince the people who were initially opposing this pipeline. Once the pipeline is completed, we will test it by releasing gas.”
Sources pointed out that ‘the stage-wise utilisation of natural gas will be done. Initially, it will be used for industry followed by automobiles and domestic consumption’. “The setting up of gas-based units and switching over to gas energy will render surplus electricity in the State,” a source stated.
The draft ‘Goa Investment Policy’ 2013 had also stated that the work of laying pipeline is nearing completion, with total length of 36 km being covered through three talukas ~ Bicholim, Ponda and Mormugao, where there was major opposition from locals, who claimed that it passes through their paddy fields and had demanded change in its route.
“The supply of natural gas will pave way for greener environment and will meet the energy needs of industries,” the policy states.
As per the draft document, the government is also planning to establish gas-based power plants to generate electricity for captive consumption and commercial uses considering the economy of natural gas a source of energy as compared to other energy. The State may also develop proper gas grid to tap natural gas as a cheaper, abundant and cleaner source of energy, it states.
