Rawalpindi: The angry residents of Munawar Colony, Ali Town, Al-Mumtaz Colony, Saleha Street, Defence Road, Usama Street, Dhoke Juma and several other localities of Adiala Road Sunday strongly protested against Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) for not providing them natural gas even for domestic use since October 2016.
The SNGPL had earlier announced smooth supply of gas to consumers after February 15, 2017. However since the lapse of the deadline the gas supply was not restored and now, with unexpected, chilly weather in March due to snowfall in likeMurree, Nathia Gali and Ayubia the supply of gas has gone to zero.
The protesters complained about discriminatory treatment in terms of gas supply by SNGPL. More than 50 per cent ‘tandoors’ have already been shut down in affected localities because of zero gas supply and residents have to buy ‘roti’ on higher prices.
Reportedly, the residents of Chaklala Scheme-III, Asghar Mall and its surrounding localities, Morgah, Shamsabad Model Colony, Sadiqabad, Dhoke Paracha, Azizabad, Tench Batta, Mughalabad, Dhoke Chaudhrian, Gulshan Shafi Colony, Ghausia Chowk, Kamalabad, Tahli Mori, Ghaziabad Colony, Harley Street, Dheri Hassanabad, Jhanda Chichi, New Shakriyal and Dhoke Kala Khan are also facing low to zero gas pressure.
Muthidda Naanbhais Welfare Association (MNWA) President Shafiq Qureshi said that SNGPL is not providing them natural gas even in the month of March. More than 50 per cent ‘tandoors’ have been shut down due to absence of natural gas in March. “It is a matter of great concern that SNGPL has totally failed to provide natural gas,” he denounced.
Israr Ahmed, a resident of Munawar Colony said that they came out on roads as they had no other option left. Shazia Bashir, a housewife said that it was unfortunate for them that the area has no proper system of gas and water supply. The authorities concerned promised smooth supply of gas in mid February but now it is mid March and we have no gas. The LPG is quite expensive and we cannot afford it. We have no other option but to come on roads.
The SNGPL Senior General Manager (Rawalpindi Circle) Muhammad Zahoor said that unexpectedly cold weather has returned in March. Severe cold waves are blowing now days and some areas are facing gas crisis. “Gas supply will be better after some days,” he assured. He also said that majority of consumers using gas sucking compressors in their homes, which is illegal.
