· Directs to resolve issues of CGD companies
Additional Chief Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, R.D. Nazeem today here presided over a meeting to review the expansion of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network across the state and to address the challenges being faced by the four CGD companies operating in the state.
He said that the CGD network was an interconnected system of underground pipelines that supplies natural gas directly to households, commercial establishments and industries. This system provides a cleaner, safer and more cost-effective alternative to LPG.
The Additional Chief Secretary said that the state government was actively promoting the expansion of the CGD network to reduce dependence on LPG and to ensure wider access to piped natural gas (PNG). As part of this initiative, pipeline infrastructure has already been laid in around 13,000 households in Una district, with nearly 6,000 consumers currently using natural gas for cooking purposes.
He said that however CGD companies have been facing certain challenges in expanding the network. To address these issues, the state government issued a notification in March, 2026, simplifying the land purchase process under Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Land Reforms Act. Under the revised procedure, CGD applicants would now submit their applications directly to the Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, along with necessary documents. The Director would forward the case to the administrative department, which would then send it to the Revenue Department for approval.
R.D Nazim further said that, as per the notification, CGD companies would be required to furnish bank guarantees to the Public Works Department (PWD) for undertaking work on government land or properties. They must carry out excavation and restoration work on such land to the satisfaction of the concerned departments or local bodies.
He said that all concerned departments and agencies have been directed to grant necessary approvals within seven days of receiving applications from CGD companies. In case no response is received within the stipulated period, the approval will be deemed granted automatically.
He directed all concerned departments to take immediate action on pending applications of CGD companies and ensure timely approvals as per the laid-down norms. He also directed representatives of CGD companies to proactively engage with concerned departmental officials to expedite clearances.
Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Kumud Singh along with senior officials from the Revenue Department, Public Works Department, Urban Development Department, Rural Development Department, Industries Department, Electricity Department, Town and Country Planning Department and the Pollution Control Board were present at the meeting.
