SMC permits night operations for gas pipeline installation

Surat: To speed up the expansion of the city gas distribution network, Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has granted permission to continue excavation and pipeline-laying work at night to the gas distribution company, Gujarat Gas, for a month from March 18 . The decision was taken as a special case in view of the prevailing global situation and govt instructions. The company has been directed to ensure all necessary safety measures during the execution of the work.According to the civic officials, the decision was taken to facilitate faster rollout of the city gas distribution system across the city. Since March 1, SMC has received around 24 applications from the gas distribution company across different zones, and all of them have been cleared.A mandatory provision has also been introduced to grant approval for all new permissions within 24 hours. In addition, orders have been issued to provide relief in road restoration and permission charges applicable within the municipal limits. Installation agencies have been allowed to restore public property at their own cost after submitting the required undertaking.The corporation has further relaxed working-hour restrictions, allowing the agencies to operate round the clock with proper safety arrangements. At a few locations, operational relaxations have also been provided.