Aurangabad’s wait for CNG continues
Despite huge demand for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) from different quarters, including four-wheelers owners and auto-rickshaw drivers, the city still does not have supply of the green fuel.
Ironically, local Shiv Sena MP Chandrakant Khaire has been a member of petroleum and natural gas consultative committee of the Parliament. Still, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) continues to ignore Aurangabad’s bid for licences to retail CNG and piped cooking gas (PNG).
On the contrary, relatively smaller cities from Marathwada like Osmanabad and Latur have been already considered for licence bid by PNGRB. Considered as an eco-friendly fuel as it reduces vehicular exhaust emissions, the CNG has been considered as viable alternative to traditional fuels such as diesel and petrol due to its cost-effectiveness.Atul Washikar, who owns a car, said it is strange that Aurangabad does not have CNG supply like other big cities in Maharashtra. “It is another case of poor political will on the part of local public representatives that citizens have to yearn for CNG. The local MPs and MLAs should unite and fight for this public cause that will also address pollution issues,” he said.
Nisar Ahmed Khan, leader of autorickshaw drivers’ union, said facilitating CNG supply would serve multiple benefits. “The CNG would help us in lowering operational as well as maintenance cost. It will offer smooth rides for passengers as vehicles make lesser noise if CNG is used as fuel. This option of green fuel should be introduced in the city without delay,” he said. Autorickshaw drivers have been raising demands for CNG supply for a long time, but all their pleas made before local administration fail to have an impact. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) does not register CNG-run vehicles as there is no facility for supply of such fuel.Ali Daruwala, spokesperson of All India Petrol Dealers Association, said the Centre should streamline CNG supply in tier-2 and tier-3 cities in larger public interest. “We demand that any petrol pump having space over 6,000 square feet available may be allowed to supply CNG. Before that, the necessary network of pipeline must be laid,” he said.As per the process, the PNGRB asks bidders to quote the rates they will charge for the pipeline network to be laid in the city and compression charge for dispensing CNG for the next 25 years.Khaire could not be reached for his comments. BJP spokesperson Shirish Boralkar said the issue of non-supply of CNG for Aurangabad would be taken up with the Centre shortly. “We will write a formal letter to the Centre. Aurangabad is an industrial hub and a fast developing city. It must have CNG,” he said.