Udupi: The foundation stone for the innovative ‘City Gas’ project of the central government was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Thursday, November 22.

Meanwhile, the foundation stone for the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Udupi location was also laid by Udupi MP Shobha Karandlaje and the programme was attended by Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat, leader of opposition Karnataka Legislative Council Kota Srinviasa Poojary, Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon, Byndoor MLA Sukumar Shetty, former minister Jayaprakash Hegde, former deputy speaker Yogesh Bhat, and Adani’s executive director. Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi

The programme at Mahatma Gandhi Open Auditorium, Beedinagudde was also attended by over 6,000 people.

Welcoming the dignitaries Kishore Alva informed that energy is very important for progress and said, “Statistics show that almost three-fourths of the demands of the energy in the world is fulfilled by fossil fuels. The overuse of these fossil fuels is clearly evident in the deteriorating environmental condition. Industries are not the only force to be blamed for this situation. Our choices of fuels for our vehicles and domestic application are also contributing to the growing environmental problems. Making smarter choices is the need of the hour.”

“Traditional fuels are thermally inefficient; a substantial amount of fuel carbon is lost to incomplete combustion. The use of these traditional fuels causes worsening of air quality, negatively impacting the local environment and human health, particularly among women and children due to their exposure and close contact with burning fuels,” he added.

Comparing Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinder with Piped Natural Gas (PNG), Mr Alvas pointed out that the latter was more cost-effective, safer and more economical choice. “Moreover, the nonstop supply of PNG will also help everyone to overcome the need to book and wait for cylinder replacement or for changing the bottles in between cooking. CNG is a clear, odourless, non-corrosive fuel. It is also a cheaper, cleaner and more efficient alternative to the traditional fuels used in vehicles. CNG gas also reduces the emission of Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons,” said Mr Alva.

Under the CGD project for Udupi district, Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections will be provided to 1,10,099 households and there will be 11 CNG retail outlets and 569 kms length steel pipeline.Adani shall be investing in excess of Rs 8,000 crore in the coming 8 to 10 years to develop the City Gas Distribution projects which shall generate close to 10,000 new jobs directly or indirectly.

MP Shobha Karandlaje spoke on the occasion and informed that everyone should feel proud that Prime Minister Modi has extended the mega City Gas Distribution project to Udupi district. She added that Adani which has already got set-up in Udupi and the district will be further benefitted with the Gas pipeline project.