Quetta-Zarghoon gas pipeline project-hit people: over Rs 209 million compensation amount issued

The government has issued the compensation amount of Rs 209.775 million for the land affected people of Quetta-Zarghoon gas pipeline project, official sources in the ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources said on Sunday.
"The cheque amounting to Rs 209,775,000 has been issued to Deputy Commissioner of Quetta on account of payment towards the land acquisition in Quetta-Zarghoon Gas Pipeline project for onward disbursement to the affected landowners,"
The 64 kilometer-long pipeline network has been laid at a cost of Rs 1.600 billion to add 25 mmcfd (millions cubic feet per day) gas to the company's system for onward transmission to Quetta.
Initially, the sources said the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) received the demand of Rs 523.496 million from DC Quetta against the Right of Way (ROW), which was very high.
Following which, they said SSGCL made hectic efforts and held a series of negotiations with the commissioner, deputy commissioner and Revenue officials besides other stakeholders.
As a result, the company received second demand of Rs 374 million, third of Rs 324.389 and fourth of Rs 209.775.
"The demanded amount of Rs 209.775 from DC Quetta was sent to the Finance Division for payment after approval of the MD, which has been issued," they remarked.
The SSGCL thanked Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal Khan for special efforts to resolve the compensation issue amicably and release of the required funds.