Varanasi: In a significant step toward promoting clean energy and sustainability, GAIL (India) Limited has signed an agreement to supply Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to the Annapurna Kitchen at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. The initiative will support daily meal services for nearly 15,000 devotees using cleaner and more efficient fuel.
PNG Supply to Begin Within Days
According to officials, PNG supply to the temple kitchen is expected to begin within the next 2–3 days, making it the first kitchen in the ancient Kashi region to adopt piped gas infrastructure.
The agreement was formally signed by Deputy Collector Shambhu Sharan on behalf of the temple trust and Sushil Kumar, General Manager and Officer-in-Charge of GAIL Varanasi, in the presence of senior GAIL officials.
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Annapurna Kitchen Serves 15,000 Devotees Daily
The Annapurna Kitchen currently prepares meals for around 15,000 devotees every day. At present, the facility consumes nearly:
- 15 commercial LPG cylinders daily
- Around 450 cylinders per month
With the shift to PNG, dependence on LPG cylinders will be significantly reduced, allowing better redistribution of resources.
Clean Energy Push for Religious and Public Spaces
The introduction of PNG is expected to provide:
- Safe and uninterrupted energy supply
- Reduced dependence on LPG cylinders
- Lower operational challenges and improved efficiency
Officials said this initiative could pave the way for expanding PNG connectivity to other temples, monasteries, households, and commercial establishments in Varanasi.
Step Toward Sustainability in Kashi Region
The project marks an important milestone in promoting environment-friendly fuel usage in one of India’s most significant spiritual destinations. It aligns with broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and encourage cleaner energy alternatives in public and religious institutions.
About GAIL (India) Limited
GAIL (India) Limited, a Schedule A Navratna PSU, is the country’s largest natural gas company. It is involved in exploration, production, transportation, processing, and distribution of natural gas and has been instrumental in India’s energy security and infrastructure growth.
