Our Delhi sources tell us that Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar will be giving MPs a thoughtful new year gift. Food served in Parliament from 2013 will be made on LPG (gas cylinders, to you and me). She has now asked for PNG (piped natural gas) because LPG cylinders are security risks.

A special designing team comprising the Petroleum Ministry, the CPWD and security agencies will supervise the laying of the pipeline.

A special design is now being attempted to bring the pipeline from the main road to Parliament House and a plan is on the anvil to have a control panel which will be kept in two strategic locations. This will ensure that the gas supply can be turned off in the event of a disaster or an emergency.

A senior official commented that it is the 'Mumbai Mantralaya effect' that has made Meira Kumar initiate this action. During the fire in Mantralaya in June, gas cylinders were found in the pantries. Fortunately, the blaze did not reach the cylinders.