Pune, March 30 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government is set to initiate a dedicated campaign aimed at providing immediate Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to industries upon request, as announced by Industries Minister Uday Samant on Monday.

He has instructed all relevant government departments to collaborate and hold special camps for this initiative. This announcement by Minister Samant comes in response to the reported shortage of LPG cylinders, which has led to a halt in the supply of gas cylinders to industries, significantly affecting industrial operations across the state.

During a review meeting with district industry officials at the Collector’s Office, Minister Samant emphasized the importance of sustaining industrial production amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He stated, "It is essential to maintain the production capacity of industries during these challenging times for the state's economy. Given that natural gas serves as a cost-effective, safe, and eco-friendly energy source for industries, no business should encounter obstacles due to insufficient gas connections. Accordingly, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), gas distribution companies, and district administrations must join forces to ensure that PNG connections are made available to all eligible industries."

A focused campaign will be rolled out to facilitate the provision of PNG connections to industries. Minister Samant elaborated that this program will prioritize organizing special camps at the district and industrial estate levels, simplifying the application process for businesses, conducting swift technical inspections, and hastening the clearance of pending applications.

“This campaign is poised to mark a significant advancement towards creating a business-friendly atmosphere,” he commented.

The Minister also mentioned that domestic consumers are being prioritized in the supply of LPG cylinders, while the distribution of commercial LPG cylinders is being managed in accordance with guidelines set by the Central government.

Minister Samant cautioned that strict measures will be taken against distributors who create artificial shortages or engage in black marketing practices. Citizens are encouraged to report such occurrences promptly by contacting the toll-free number 112.

Previously, state Food and Civil Supply Minister Chhagan Bhujbal urged the Central government to provide technical and financial support to speed up the expansion of the PNG network throughout the state. He voiced his concerns during a high-level joint meeting convened by the Centre to discuss enhancing access to clean fuel and the timely expansion of the PNG network for both residential and commercial sectors, particularly in light of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.

Minister Bhujbal advocated for making PNG facilities mandatory in all new housing developments to promote rapid adoption, adding that targeted campaigns should be initiated to provide connections in older residential zones. He further noted that increasing the use of PNG in hotels, restaurants, and small-scale industries is crucial for cost reduction and offering eco-friendly alternatives. The processes for licensing and connections must also be simplified.