The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) which has laid underground natural gas supply pipelines in Goa recently issued a public notice warning against encroachment on overlying land raising public safety concerns in some quarters
Consumer NGO GOACAN raised issues of public safety citing the GAIL public notice in letter to Ponda sub-divisional officer (Deputy Collector), Sitaram Sawal.
It has expressed concern about the public safety issues related to the Public Notice by GAIL (India) Limited regarding encroachment in the Right of User (RoU) of Dabhol Bengaluru Natural Gas Pipeline in Marcaim village in Ponda Taluka in South Goa District.
GOACAN’s Roland Martins has pointed out that the pipeline section SV-5G (Marcaim) to Zuari GOA (Sancoale) has been shown as in South Goa District and several points along the pipeline’s route, the GAIL has claimed to have acquired Right of User.
“The pipelines are carrying highly inflammable and hazardous natural gas,” Martins said, urging Sawal to convene a joint meeting of the concerned agencies such as Fire and Emergency Services, police, PWD, Block Development Officer of Ponda and officials of GAIL.
Installation of signages, taking concerned panchayats into confidence, mapping of the underground pipeline, holding of public safety and fire safety awareness drives and the general dos and don’ts with regard to the highly inflammable and hazardous natural gas, are some relevant issues flagged by GOACAN in its letter to the Deputy Collector.
