Gas leaks from MNGL pipelines in Pune have become a cause for concern among residents and regulatory bodies, with over 100 fire incidents reported by the PMC fire department in the past four years. The most recent gas leak on June 21 on J M Road in Shivajinagar has heightened worries, despite no casualties being reported.
MNGL officials attribute these incidents to ongoing developmental projects in the area, such as road construction and drainage installations. With nearly 250 projects underway in PMC limits, the frequency of gas leaks has increased in recent years. Since its establishment in 2009, MNGL has laid over 2,300 kilometers of underground pipelines across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Efforts to mitigate these incidents through coordination with various agencies have had mixed results, according to MNGL representatives. Despite training excavation operators and imposing fines on negligent contractors, incidents like the recent fire at Rajaram Bridge on Sinhagad Road highlight the challenges in ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
In response to the recent gas leak on J M Road, MNGL plans to address the PMC about implementing stricter precautions during development activities to prevent future incidents. This includes imposing fines on contractors responsible for pipeline damage due to negligence. While MNGL maintains that their incident rate is below industry standards, the recent spike in incidents calls for increased vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.
The PMC’s road department recognizes the importance of stringent precautionary measures during excavation works and stresses the need to notify MNGL and other relevant authorities before commencing projects. While fines for pipeline damage have been rare, PMC officials are committed to enforcing safety standards to minimize risks to public safety.
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