By the end of the year, Guwahati will receive gas from the Barauni-Guwahati Pipeline, and Assam will be connected to the National Gas Grid. The Department of Industries, Commerce & Public Enterprises, Government of Assam, organised the Gas Conclave, a one-day brainstorming event, in Guwahati to discuss the opportunities and difficulties associated with using natural gas.
Bimal Bora, the minister of industries and commerce, praised Assam for its pioneering work in the nation's oil and gas industries and pointed out that the Hydro-carbon Vision 2030 for North-East India of the Central Government has opened up a number of opportunities for economic growth using natural gas. He also mentioned how Assam has ample natural gas reserves that it can run its economy entirely on this clean and sustainable fuel. He emphasised the developing cooperation among the many players of the entire natural gas value chain in this regard.
The Barauni-Guwahati Pipeline would be able to supply gas to Guwahati by the end of the year, according to a spokesman of GAIL India Limited, signaling a significant development in the State's connection to the National Gas Grid. This will eventually make it possible to connect natural gas producers, importers, and end users in a seamless manner.
The Conclave decided to start these efforts in a coordinated fashion after thoroughly discussing the issues brought up during the presentations and the steps that needed to be taken in response. The State government made the decision to work on an action plan for 2030 to develop a gas-based economy in Assam that would increase employment opportunities and decrease pollution, in light of the fact that almost all of the districts in Assam are covered by city gas distribution and that more pipelines are being laid by IGGL and others.