1. Right-of-Use (RoU) Corridors and Setback Brackets
Setback margins along gas pipelines scale based on the pipeline’s operating pressure and classification:
- High-Pressure Transmission Pipelines (Pressure > 19 Bar): A mandatory safety setback buffer of 15.0 meters must be maintained from the pipeline’s centerline. No buildings, basements, or heavy boundary walls are permitted within this zone.
- Medium-Pressure Distribution Mains (Pressure 4 Bar to 19 Bar): Require a minimum building setback clearance of 10.0 meters from the pipe centerline.
- Low-Pressure Service Pipelines (Pressure < 4 Bar - PNG lines): For standard residential and commercial PNG supply lines, developers must maintain a safety clearance of 3.0 meters from building foundations.
- Easement Protection: The RoU corridor must remain clear of all permanent overhead projections, columns, or structural overhangs to allow utility crews to access the pipeline during emergencies.
2. Surface Restrictions and Landscaping Rules
While the underground easement must remain free of building foundations, the surface directly above buried gas pipelines can be used for limited, non-intrusive activities:
- Prohibition of Deep-Rooted Trees: Planting deep-rooted trees (such as Eucalyptus or Banyan) directly above the pipeline corridor is prohibited. Tree roots can compromise pipeline wrap coatings or damage cathodic protection wires.
- Allowed Surface Uses: Landowners can use the surface above gas pipelines for grass lawns, low-growing flowerbeds, paved pedestrian walkways, or open-air asphalt parking zones.
- Solid Fences Prohibited: Constructing concrete compound walls across the RoU is prohibited. Only lightweight, removable chain-link fences are allowed across the pipeline path to maintain access for maintenance crews.
The table below outlines gas pipeline buffer requirements in Dholera SIR:
| Pipeline Class / Operating Pressure | Safe Building Setback (Centerline) | RoU Corridor Width (No-Build Zone) | Permissible Surface Cover | Prohibited Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **High-Pressure Trunk (>19 Bar)** | 15.0 Meters | 15.0 Meters | Grass sod, farm crops (shallow root) | RCC buildings, basements, piling |
| **Medium-Pressure Main (4-19 Bar)** | 10.0 Meters | 10.0 Meters | Paved walkways, asphalt parking | Heavy masonry sheds, deep trenches |
| **Low-Pressure Service (<4 Bar)** | 3.0 Meters | 6.0 Meters | Driveways, gravel landscaping | Permanent structural columns |
| **Industrial CNG Feed Lines** | 12.0 Meters | 12.0 Meters | Unpaved grass buffers, security roads | Storing flammable materials |
3. Excavation Permits and Cathodic Protection
- Excavation Permits: Digging, trenching, or driving piles within 15 meters of a marked gas pipeline is prohibited without an approved utility clearance permit from DICDL and the serving gas utility.
- Cathodic Protection Stations: Cathodic protection test stations are installed at regular intervals along gas routes to monitor pipe corrosion. These stations and their wiring connections must not be covered by private landscaping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
#### What is the safety buffer distance for high-pressure gas pipelines in Dholera?
A minimum building setback of 15.0 meters must be maintained from the centerline of all high-pressure transmission gas pipelines.
#### Can I build a boundary wall over a buried gas pipeline in Dholera?
No. Constructing solid concrete or brick boundary walls over the pipeline’s Right-of-Use (RoU) corridor is prohibited. Only light, removable wire fences are allowed to keep the easement accessible for maintenance.
#### What landscaping is permitted over gas pipelines?
Shallow-rooted grass lawns, flowerbeds, paved walking paths, and open parking lots are allowed over gas line easements, while deep-rooted trees are prohibited.
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