Peshawar, September 18 (Online): In a bid to resolve low gas pressure on permanent basis, a new transmission line from Mardan-Charsadda to Peshawar, having estimated cost of Rs 2.6 billion, will be laid whereas work on project will start by November this year.
This was told in a high level meeting held with Sui Northern Gas Pipeline (SNGPL) board of director members on Friday chaired by Chief Minister Mahmood Khan here at Chief Minister House Peshawar. Advisor to Chief Minister on energy Himayat Ullah Khan, Special Assistant Kamran Bangash, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Shahab Ali Shah, secretary energy and power, Chairperson Board of SNGPL Roohi Raees Khan, General Manager SNGPL Arbab Saqib and others were present on the occasion.
The forum was informed that to resolve low gas pressure issue in Rashakai work on a project worth Rs1.2 billion was underway while work on provision of gas facilities to Hattar Economic Zone was being carried out on war footing.
It was also told that, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, billions of rupees developmental projects in the field of natural gas were in pipeline which would be completed in the tenure of incumbent government.
Chief Minister Mahmood Khan stressing upon the timely completion of ongoing projects directed the authorities concerned for expediting work and assured that provincial government will provide every possible support in this regard.
The chief minister also underlined the need to take all possible measures for providing gas facilities to northern areas and other districts of province where facility is not available to public.
Mahmood Khan, on the occasion, said that by providing gas facilities to public, cutting of trees can be stopped in the province, adding that conservation of forests was our collective responsibility. He stated that, previous government of PTI planted some 1.2 billion saplings while 1 billion plants would be planted during the tenure of incumbent government.
‘due to non-availability of gas facilities, wood is being used as a fuel, for giving protection to forests provision of gas is imperative’ he added. The forum was told that progress was being made on previous decisions regarding gas projects in Kohat, Karak and Hangu.
Chief Minister said that for the development of southern areas of province all possible steps were being taken including setting up of industries, dualization of Indus Highway adding that the proposed project of Peshawar to DI Khan motorway would prove to be a milestone for the speedy development of the region by promoting trade and economic activities.
