The Odisha Higher Education Department instructed higher educational institutions across the state to monitor LPG supply in hostels and shift to piped natural gas (PNG) connections wherever available.
The directive followed discussions during the second meeting of the State Crisis Management Group and observations by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the department. In a letter dated June 25, Joint Secretary Dr Sujata Subhadarshini Nayak asked regional directors of education in Balasore, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Jeypore and Sambalpur to take immediate steps to address LPG supply issues in hostels.
Regional directors must issue instructions to institutions under their jurisdiction regarding LPG scarcity and establish departmental helplines for reporting supply problems. Authorities must ensure proper monitoring and quick redressal of complaints so hostel operations continue smoothly.
The department emphasised preventive measures, urging institutions to switch to PNG connections without delay wherever infrastructure exists. Officials believe PNG adoption will strengthen hostel energy security and reduce risks linked to LPG supply disruptions.
The Higher Education Department also sought Action Taken Reports from regional directors, with submission deadlines set for June 30.
