The Hindu : New Delhi News : Introduction of CNG in H.P. sought

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Friday, Feb 22, 2008
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Introduction of CNG in H.P. sought

Sujay Mehdudia

“This will help State in its fight against pollution and preserve environment”

Introduction of CNG would lead to buses, tempos, taxis running on pattern followed in Delhi
GAIL’s pipeline being laid to Nagal, if extended to Himachal, can benefit people largely: Dhumal

NEW DELHI: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, P.K. Dhumal has urged the Union Government to ensure the availability of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for public and private transport in the low lying areas of the State and in Shimla to help it in its fight against pollution and to preserve environment.

Mr. Dhumal made this demand to the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Mulri Deora during a meeting with him. Mr. Dhumal informed Mr. Deora that the expansion of the townships in the hill State and attraction of major tourist destinations had led to huge influx of vehicles round the year.

Growing fear

“There is a growing fear that if the situation is not tackled immediately, it would harm the fragile environment and lead to massive pollution. In such a situation it was important to provide environment friendly fuel and low cost transportation alternative,” he told the Petroleum Minister.

The Chief Minister said introduction of CNG would lead to running of buses, tempos and taxis on the pattern of what was being done in Delhi. CNG-run buses can be successfully introduced in Sirmour, Solan, Bilaspur, Una, Kangra and Hamirpur districts of the State which have comparatively plain areas, he said.

Mr. Dhumal pointed out to Mr. Deora that Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) was already laying a pipeline to Nangal that borders Himachal and the same could be extended to the hill State so that people benefit from this move on a large scale.

The Chief Minister said the State Government has imposed complete ban on felling of trees in the State, as a result of which the environment and the water quality have improved considerably and it should get priority for such an innovative step.

Deora’s assurance

On his part, Mr. Deora assured that his Ministry would examine the proposal and extend all possible help to the State in its fight against pollution and to adopt environment-friendly fuel.

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