Villagers are facing problems due to LPG booking after 45 days

Large families are cooking food using wood – forests are under pressure for fuel

The Indian government’s 45-day deadline for booking cooking gas in rural areas is causing significant inconvenience to residents. Many large families are forced to cook on wood due to the lack of cooking gas, increasing pressure on forests and impacting the environment through excessive fuel exploitation. Residents of several villages in the Junga region reported that even after the 45-day deadline, cooking gas remains unavailable, forcing them to wait for it. They also have to take a vehicle to Koti to purchase cooking gas, resulting in double the price. They reported that a single gas cylinder lasts only 15 to 20 days for a large family. In the past, cooking gas vehicles would distribute cooking gas in the area every 30 days, providing significant relief. They have demanded that the government reduce the 45-day period to 30 days, as before. People allege that on one hand the government has increased the price of cooking gas and on the other hand cylinders are not available when needed, meaning people are facing double trouble.
Meanwhile, Madan Verma, owner of the Hill Top Gas Agency in Koti, said that bookings have decreased significantly since the 45-day period was set. When suitable bookings are made, a vehicle is sent to distribute the LPG cylinders. He added that the gas agency has a backlog of approximately 100 LPG cylinders.