KOCHI: The Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) on Thursday submitted before the Kerala High Court the laying of the pipeline for the LNG project was fast progressing after complying with all safety standard protocols.In an affidavit, R C Krishnan, Deputy General Manager, stated rerouting of the pipeline through the seashore will prevent people in various districts from reaping the benefit of the project, which involves an investment of more than Rs 3,300 crore.
The Centre has directed the City Gas Distribution network has to be established in various districts depending upon the progress of mainline construction activity. Once connectivity is established, the government plans to establish compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) network in the districts through which this pipeline is passing. If the suggestion to reroute this pipeline through seashore is accepted, it will tantamount to establishing single-point connectivity between Kochi and Mangalore.
Hence, the objective of the Centre to provide environment-friendly and cost-efficient fuel to lakhs of households and vehicles will be defeated.
Further, bulk transportation of petroleum products through roads can be avoided or reduced resulting in an enhanced public safety, the affidavit stated.GAIL also refuted all the allegations levelled in the Advocate Commissioner’s report.