Hooda demands expeditious allocation of gas for power projects

Panipat, Jan 12 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today urged Petroleum Ministry to allot natural gas for the state's proposed 1,200 MW gas-based power project at Faridabad.

Gas is also required for setting up the second unit of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) at Faridabad, the Chief Minister said at the inaugural ceremony of the capacity addition programme of six million tonnes to IndianOil's Panipat refinery..

''I understand that indegenious gas is likely to become available by 2009-10. I would request Petroleum Minister Murli Deora to allot natural gas for these projects,'' he added.

He also demanded the oil ministry to expedite IndianOil's proposed gas pipeline project up to Panipat Refinery.

He said the Haryana Government has formulated a comprehensive Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy to ensure minimum displacement in view of the mega projects involving acquisition of huge tracts of land.

Finance Minister P Chidambaram said Harayna is one of the most industrialised states.

''The government is planning to set up five petro chemical hubs in the country, one out of them to be in Panipat,'' he added.

UNI