In a decisive step towards building a gas-based economy and expanding access to clean energy in urban areas, the Housing & Urban Development Department of Odisha has issued a comprehensive order simplifying approval processes for City Gas Distribution (CGD) projects.
The order, issued by Usha Padhee, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, H&UD Dept and Chairperson of IDCO, aims to remove procedural bottlenecks and fast-track the rollout of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) infrastructure across the state’s cities and towns.
Key provisions of the order include the waiver of permission fees by Urban Local Bodies for laying underground pipelines and associated CGD infrastructure. No fresh permissions will be needed for works that are already ongoing or have been previously sanctioned, ensuring seamless continuity in project execution.
To prevent delays, the government has mandated time-bound disposal of all CGD-related applications by concerned authorities. Restrictions on road-cutting during specific periods have also been relaxed specifically for these projects, allowing uninterrupted implementation while maintaining public convenience.
The order maintains strict accountability: CGD entities must restore roads and damaged infrastructure to prescribed standards entirely at their own cost.
The Director, Municipal Administration, has been appointed as the nodal officer for coordination and monitoring of all CGD works statewide. All relevant departments—including Works, Water Resources, Energy, and Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water—have been directed to provide full cooperation for effective on-ground execution.
These streamlined measures will remain in effect until June 30, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Officials expect the initiative to significantly boost the expansion of PNG connections, promote the use of cleaner and more efficient fuel, reduce dependence on traditional cooking fuels, and support Odisha’s broader goals of sustainable urban development and environmental protection.
