Natural gas will usher in dev in backward regions;CM

Mumbai, Nov 6 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today stressed the need for having natural gas supply in industrially backward regions of the state for ushering in growth.

He was speaking after receiving the final report of the state level advisory committee set up by the government which studied the availability of natural gas and requirements of the state at Mantralaya here.

The Chief Minister stressed the need to be alert to the opportunities in natural gas. The companies providing natural gas should give basic amenities to residents of villages from where the gas pipelines will pass through.

Signing of a MoU with the companies concerned should be seriously considered, he added.

Mr Hasmukh Shah, president of the committee made a powerpoint presentation to the Chief Minister about the report. Maharashtra needs approximately two lakh trained personnel in the natural gas sector. Hence, a Petroleum university should be set up near Mumbai. The report called for setting up a new LNG terminal and increase the capacity of the LNG terminal at Dabhol's Ratnagiri Gas and Power Project Ltd (RGPPL).

The report also suggests preparing a time bound action plan to spread the network of gas distribution and supply. Similarly, it also asks for giving priority to natural gas based power projects.

The committee had submitted its interim report on August 20,2005. The report says that there is high demand for natural gas to provide for requirements of the growing needs of industrialisation, urbanisation and power generation.Maharashtra approximately needs 50 metric million standard cubic meter (mmscm) per day of natural gas.

The report also says Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) will set up a gas grid through private and public participation.

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