The DM of Gautam Budh Nagar issues a warning, in accordance with Centre norms, that organisations that damage the IGL gas pipeline during construction may face legal action.
Manish Kumar Verma, the district magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar, warned construction companies operating in the area on Friday, informing them that if there is any damage or disruption to the IGL gas pipeline during their work, they will face harsh legal consequences and penalties.
In order to prevent damage to or interference with the pipeline, cooperation with IGL officials is necessary prior to beginning any road construction, excavation, or other activity.
Before beginning any road construction, digging, or other work, coordination should be established with the IGL officials to ensure that the pipeline is not harmed or affected. “Some implementing agencies, during road construction or other works, trim trees on the roadside or dig roads, etc. without giving any prior information to the officials of IGL.” If they don’t, Verma threatened to take legal action and penalise them.
According to the DM, the directive complied with the Center’s March 31, 2006 standards, which provide that if an individual or entity damages a gas pipeline, legal action may be taken against the offending party and a penalty may be imposed.
A number of pipeline damage cases were reported in Gautam Budh Nagar in 2023. Unauthorised excavation caused a gas pipeline fire in Greater Noida on November 15, 2023. Further investigations showed that gas was allegedly being syphoned from the network.