Coimbatore's Care Homes Face Dual Crisis: LPG Shortage and Soaring Firewood Costs
In a distressing development, old age homes and orphanages across Coimbatore district are being compelled to use firewood for cooking as they grapple with a severe shortage of cooking gas. However, this makeshift solution is rapidly becoming untenable, with suppliers hiking firewood prices daily in response to surging demand, pushing these vulnerable institutions to the brink.
Petition Seeks Priority LPG Access for Registered Homes
Representatives of these care facilities have now appealed to the district collector, submitting a formal petition through the Thannarva Thondu Niruvanangalin Sangam (TTNS). This association represents over 116 rehabilitation centers, old age homes, and children's homes, including orphanages. The petition urgently requests that registered homes be included on a priority list to ensure a steady supply of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, highlighting the critical nature of their situation.
Scale of the Crisis: Over 20,000 Inmates Affected
D Govindaraju, president of TTNS, revealed the staggering scope of the problem. "More than 20,000 inmates reside in approximately 256 homes throughout the district," he stated. "Each facility houses between 20 and 120 individuals, depending on its size. All are impacted by the commercial cylinder supply issues and have turned to firewood as an alternative." He emphasized that as demand for firewood has escalated, suppliers have capitalized on the situation by demanding exorbitant prices, with daily increases making it financially impossible for these homes to cope.
Firewood: An Unsustainable and Problematic Alternative
Sam, who manages Savalayam Home in Thondamuthur, shared firsthand accounts of the challenges. "We have exhausted our LPG stock and rely solely on firewood," he explained. The home cares for 64 inmates, including 10 children. Using firewood is not only undesirable due to government regulations concerning emissions but also poses practical difficulties. "In city limits, smoke from firewood often leads to complaints from neighbors," Sam noted. Additionally, strict rules prohibit bringing in outside food, leaving these homes with no viable alternatives to sustain their inmates.
The combination of LPG shortages and unaffordable firewood prices has created a humanitarian crisis for Coimbatore's most vulnerable populations, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to secure essential cooking fuel supplies.
