A recent survey by the Dwarka Expressway Gurugram Development Associations (DXPGDA) reveals that over 134,000 homes in Gurgaon lack access to Piped Natural Gas (PNG). This survey, conducted over ten days and encompassing more than 100 residential societies, focused on major areas such as Sector 57, DLF Phase 2, South City 1, Vatika India Next, and sectors along the Dwarka Expressway and Sohna Road.
The findings indicate that several large residential complexes, which accommodate between 4,000 and 13,000 units, remain unconnected to PNG infrastructure despite the city’s growth. Some of these complexes have the necessary infrastructure but are still without supply.
This issue arises during a period of LPG cylinder shortages linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, along with a government mandate from last month requiring households using LPG to transition to PNG in regions where PNG infrastructure exists.
Last month, The Indian Express reported that residents living near the Dwarka Expressway had made payments for gas connections over a year ago but have yet to receive service.
On Tuesday, DXPGDA submitted an urgent appeal to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to address this problem. The association pointed out that despite the rapid urbanization in Gurugram, the rollout of essential services like PNG connectivity has not kept pace, leading to continued dependence on LPG cylinders, rising costs, and safety issues for residents living in densely populated societies.
The DXPGDA expressed concern about the lack of basic infrastructure for a large number of residents, emphasizing the need for prompt and effective action to bridge this gap. The survey also revealed a significant communication breakdown from gas distribution companies, leaving many residents uncertain about their gas supply status. Many societies reported having paid upfront fees to these companies, but the work remains incomplete.
Sunny Daultabad, the Convener of DXPGDA, has formally requested the PNGRB and the Union Ministry of Petroleum to accelerate the development of PNG infrastructure and hold gas distribution companies accountable.
The association has also called for the establishment of a transparent monitoring and grievance resolution system, along with clear timelines for society-specific implementations to alleviate delays.
Sunil Sareen, a resident of Emaar Imperial Gardens in Sector 102 and deputy convenor of DXPGDA, suggested that introducing more competitors could enhance service delivery and rectify the backlog in piped gas connectivity.
A K Jana, the CEO of Haryana City Gas (HCG), which supplies PNG to Gurgaon, stated that recent directives from the Union government have expedited the permissions necessary for laying pipelines. He expects to see improvements in the PNG supply situation by the end of April, noting that while laying pipelines is time-consuming, the costs associated with it remain unchanged. HCG aims to connect at least 25,000 households in the current quarter and has received approximately 5,000 new applications following the conflict in West Asia, with expectations of an additional 10,000 to 20,000 requests in the upcoming months.
