Steps in install CNG infrastructure in State: HC

Srinagar, Sep 21: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the state government to execute the requisite agreement with GAIL, or the competent central authority, within two weeks, for installation of CNG infrastructure there.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the steps taken so far in this regard, a division bench of Justices Bashir Ahmad Khan and Bashir Ahmad Kirmani said the neither the coordination committe nor the nodal officer appointed for the purpose has taken up the issue effectively.

The court noted that the status report filed by the SIDCO Managing Director shows that the subject was not being approached in its ''right perspective''.

The court directed the Industries Commissioner, the nodal officer, to pursue the matter with GAIL authorities vigorously and to mutually finalise dates with the new GAIL Chief Managing Director or any other competent authority for execution of requisite agreement within two weeks.

It also asked the CMD GAIL or any other competent authority involved, to take cognizance of the court orders, passed from time to time, over the issue.

The Transport Commissioner, who is also the Member Secretary Coordination Committee, has filed a consolidated report showing compliance in respect of directions passed by this Court from time to time.

The court also expressed surprised over the ''non-cooperation'' of Oil Companies operating in the State, who were directed to deploy four testing vans and mobile labs -- two each in Jammu and Srinagar -- for checking adulteration of petrol.

It asked the state coordinator these companies to show cause them for non-deployment of the requisite number of testing vans and labs in the state, failing which the court will issue a show cause notice to the CMDs of the oil companies.

UNI