Srinagar, Oct 8 (NVI) : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the newly notified City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026 will expand access to clean fuel, strengthen industrial competitiveness and modernise the Union Territory’s energy infrastructure.
The policy, notified after approval by the Council of Ministers, provides a time-bound and investor-friendly framework for expanding the use of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across households, commercial establishments, industries and the transport sector.
It envisages phased expansion of city gas distribution networks across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, bringing natural gas closer to consumers and supporting a shift away from conventional fuels, an official statement said.
The policy provides for single-window, time-bound clearances, streamlined procedures for setting up CNG stations and standardised Right of Way norms to facilitate faster implementation of projects.
It also provides for priority gas connectivity to major industrial estates, including those in Kathua, Samba and Pulwama, with the aim of supporting industrial growth and improving access to reliable energy.
The expansion of PNG and CNG infrastructure is expected to provide cleaner and more affordable energy options, reduce fuel costs, improve industrial efficiency and competitiveness, and encourage investment in the clean-energy sector.
The policy is also expected to generate employment opportunities in construction, operation and maintenance of gas distribution infrastructure, besides promoting apprenticeships and skill development.
Abdullah congratulated Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma and the department on the notification of the policy.
“The City Gas Distribution Policy will help expand clean and reliable energy access while creating an enabling environment for industry and investment. It is an important step towards building a cleaner, more efficient and sustainable energy future for J&K,” the chief minister said.—(NVI)
