LPG Shortage Impact
Recent disruptions in the West Asia region have led to a significant scarcity of LPG, compelling various establishments in the silk city to reconsider
their energy sources for cooking. Hotels, temples, and event organizers, previously reliant on LPG, are now finding themselves compelled to return to the more traditional method of using firewood. This shift is evident in the dramatic increase in daily firewood sales, which have reportedly climbed from approximately three quintals to around 25 quintals within a mere five-day period. This surge is predominantly driven by the preparation of biryani, a popular dish that often requires substantial heat. Despite this heightened demand, firewood vendors have largely maintained their prices, with the cost remaining at Rs 1,200 per quintal. For cremation purposes, the price is slightly lower, ranging between Rs 900 and Rs 1,000 per tonne, with adjustments made based on the financial circumstances of the bereaved families. This sudden spike in consumption has also led to a rapid depletion of available stock, according to depot owners.
Feast Organizers Adapt
Feast organizers, in particular, are finding the switch to firewood a necessary adaptation due to the unpredictable nature of LPG cylinder supply. The erratic availability of cooking gas has made planning and executing large-scale culinary events increasingly challenging. By opting for firewood, they can ensure a more reliable and consistent heat source, circumventing the anxieties associated with potential gas shortages. Even a local temple procured around three quintals of firewood for preparations related to the Sankranti festival, highlighting the widespread adoption of this traditional fuel. This reliance on firewood underscores the resilience of traditional practices in the face of modern supply chain disruptions. The sustainability of this trend, however, is a growing concern that requires careful management.
Forest Department Vigilance
In response to the escalating demand for firewood and the inherent risks of illegal tree felling, the regional chief conservator of forests (RCCF) in Berhampur, Vishwanath Neelannavar, has initiated a proactive measure by ordering intensified vigilance. Forest officials have augmented their patrolling efforts in areas identified as vulnerable to illegal logging activities. This increased surveillance aims to preempt and curb any unauthorized cutting of trees that might arise from the sudden market demand. Despite the heightened demand, officials have reported that no instances of illegal tree felling have been recorded thus far, indicating a degree of compliance and effectiveness in the forest department's enforcement measures. Furthermore, some firewood depots are strategically increasing their stock in anticipation of the upcoming Danda Yatra festival, a period when 'Danduas' traditionally depend exclusively on firewood for all their cooking requirements. This festival is scheduled to commence in the last week of March and will continue until Visubha Sankranti on April 14.
