Chandigarh: Concerns are mounting among residents across several sectors in the city over the fate of their LPG connections as the administration pushes for piped natural gas (PNG) adoption. Hwever, many households that applied years ago are yet to receive connections.The issue has triggered anxiety, particularly in sectors officially marked as having “full availability of PNG.” Residents say the classification does not reflect ground reality. Many fear that their existing LPG connections could be discontinued despite the absence of a functional PNG supply.A resident of Sector 40-C, M S Rawat, said he had applied and paid for a PNG connection as far back as 2018 but is still waiting. “It has been so many years but I haven’t yet got the connection. If that is the case, my money should be returned,” he said. Similar complaints have surfaced from other sectors, where applicants claim they have been waiting for over two years without any progress.Residents’ welfare associations (RWAs) say the issue is not demand for PNG but delays in execution and lack of clarity. Manjit Singh Sarang, president of the Sector 10 RWA, said residents are keen to switch. “PNG is convenient, safe and environment-friendly. It is the need of the hour. We have already written to the municipal commissioner, seeking installation of pipelines,” he said.However, infrastructure-related concerns are also being raised. In Sector 11, RWA president I P Singh pointed out inefficiencies in how pipelines are being laid. “Connections are being drawn from the front of houses, even though kitchens are usually at the back. Pipes are taken up to the roof and then brought down again, which is redundant. If planned through the back alley, it would save material, effort and money,” he said, echoing concerns shared by residents in multiple sectors.Lack of awareness is compounding the problem. Deepak Sharma, president of the Sector 32-C RWA, said many residents are willing to adopt PNG but are unclear about the application process and costs involved. “People don’t know where to apply or what the fees are,” he said. In Sector 36, residents have complained that helpline numbers are either unresponsive or not reachable.Amid the growing unease, officials from the food and supplies department have sought to reassure residents. They said households that have applied for PNG but have not received connections by June-end, will be issued a non-feasibility certificate. This document will ensure that their LPG connections are not discontinued.Officials added that residents seeking PNG connections or clarification can reach out via the toll-free helpline number, 1800-233-55666.For now, however, uncertainty persists. With deadlines approaching and implementation lagging, residents say their primary concern remains clear: they should not be forced to give up LPG until PNG becomes a reality at their doorstep.PNG update for citySectors with PNG availability: 32–38, 40–44, 46–51, Sector 11 and MHC ManimajraConnections: 22,500 domestic, 185 commercialLines being laid in: Sectors 7, 10 and 15Target for domestic supply: June 30, 2026Government houses connected: 1,500
