The Supreme Court (SC) has allowed public sector Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) to lay a pipeline from Vijaipur to Dadri.  The pipeline is to be used for transportation of degasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) to a power project that will supply electricity for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi next year.

 

The RLNG pipeline from Vijaipur to Dadri, will also supply gas to Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The cost of the 505-km pipeline, with a maximum diameter of 48 inches, is estimated at Rs 3,306-crore.

 

A special forest bench of the SC headed by Chief Justice, Mr K G Balakrishnan allowed the public sector to go ahead with its project, which laying the pipeline through wildlife sanctuary areas in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. However, the SC retained certain conditions as earlier imposed by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).

 

After GAIL undertook to comply with the recommendations given by the apex court-appointed committee, the bench passed the order. Besides, it also directed that the original topography of the area would be restored.  The court also ordered that the safety norms prescribed by the Oil Industry Safety Directorate would be strictly adhered to.

 

CEC had recommended that the apex court may permit underground pipeline over a distance of 2 km in the National Chambal Sanctuary at Morena and 3.5 km in the Ramsagar sanctuary subject to certain conditions.