PANAJI
In a move that may go against the Centre’s push to speed up city gas projects, Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserrate on Monday said the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) is not in favour of digging up newly tarred roads to lay Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections.
His remarks come days after his father, Revenue Minister and Panaji MLA Atanasio Monserrate, raised similar concerns in a letter to the Chief Secretary. The minister warned that fresh digging could damage roads and drainage systems, disrupt daily life, and create dust pollution affecting residents and businesses.
“The Smart City works are complete, and roads were tarred after much effort. They should not be disturbed again. The CCP is not in favour of digging up roads to lay any utility pipelines, including natural gas,” the Mayor said.
He stressed that public convenience is a priority and said the Corporation would not support work that causes inconvenience.
Goa Natural Gas Pvt Ltd is awaiting permission to lay about 16 km of pipelines in parts of Tiswadi, including Panaji and Taleigao, and areas of Ponda.
Amid LPG supply issues, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to speed up city gas projects and has asked states to fast-track approvals until June 30, 2026.
