Pipeline safety, a concern for residents

Gas cylinders might disappear from the city in a few years, as the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL)’s pipeline network is spread across Bengaluru. As Bengalureans prepare for this transition, already at an advanced stage in HSR Layout, DH speaks to residents to understand their apprehensions and views.

Kavitha Reddy, a resident of HSR Layout, welcomes the project but is not confident about its execution. She explains, “The ongoing gas pipeline work is a good project. But my concern is about safety. If BBMP or BWSSB carry out digging works at the same place where the gas pipelines are laid, it might be dangerous.”

However, she finds the shift from the traditional use of cylinders to piped gas a huge advantage. “We may be free from all the cumbersome processes of booking the cylinders online and waiting for the person to deliver them to your doorstep. It will also reduce manpower and fewer vehicles will be on the road.”

The project may not cater to the needs of commercial establishments such as hotels, feels T V Valasale, proprietor of MRS Paradise, a hotel in Jayanagar. He elaborates, “It cannot compete with the existing cylinders. The pipeline’s meters can be tampered with just like water meters. But in cylinders, we know the exact quantity of usage. For instance, I use 17 kg per day for cooking in hotel. But I cannot expect the same in gas meters.”

Valasale fears that he might end up paying extra money with faulty meters. “Besides, if there is some disruption in the pipeline supply, our business will be at stake. There are many issues that need clarity before the pipeline concept gains mass acceptablity,” he says.

Brig R S Murthy, president, HSR Layout RWA, Sector-2, and an engineer, notes that the project has technical errors. He says, “Since the project started in this area, it has inconvenienced the residents due to its unscientific planning. GAIL officials say it is a central government project. If any such pipeline work has to be carried out it needs to be tunnelled first. But, here they have dug up the roads and laid the pipes. They are yet to keep their promise of restoring the roads after digging.”

A Arathi, the Association’s organising secretary feels the final output of the project is not satisfactory. “The initial work itself is not giving us that confidence to go for it. Once it is implemented, we will have to consider all the major aspects such as pricing, constant supply of gas and steps to be taken during leakage.”

She says, “As it is, the roads have not been asphalted here for many years and with such projects, the road quality has deteriorated further. They have dug one or two feet to place the gas pipeline and after laying, they have covered it with wet mix. Due to constant rains, most of the wet mix is washed out. Even if they do the asphalting, it has to be done meticulously.”

But homemaker N Manjula, who has a new gas meter fixed, says that GAIL officials had made sure that everything is put in place. “They have assured us that the gas pipeline is safe and can be used without any problem. I paid Rs 300 as registration fee. They have sought Rs 5,200 as deposit for the supply of gas. The officials have said that once we pay this amount, the supply will be given within one month.”