LPG Shortage Disrupts Prasad Distribution at Varanasi's Annapurna Temple
Distribution of prasad at the historic Annapurna temple in Varanasi has been severely affected due to a reported shortage of LPG cylinders, sparking concerns among devotees and local authorities. The temple, a major religious site, typically serves prasad to between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors daily. However, on a recent Saturday, this number plummeted to approximately 3,000 people, highlighting the acute impact of the gas supply issues.
Temple Management Reports Severe Gas Shortage
Mahant Shankar Giri Maharaj, the chief of the Annapurna temple, has publicly stated that the temple's 'ann kshetra' or food preparation area is grappling with a critical lack of cooking gas. This shortage has made it increasingly difficult to prepare the traditional prasad offerings for the thousands of pilgrims who visit each day. According to Maharaj, gas agencies that previously supplied one or two cylinders have ceased deliveries over the past two to three days, exacerbating the situation.
As a result, one of the temple's two cooking units has been forced to shut down since Saturday morning, while the other unit is on the brink of closure. Despite assurances from officials that a supply would be arranged, the cylinders have yet to arrive at the temple premises, leaving the management in a precarious position.
Authorities Deny Supply Crunch, Warn Against Hoarding
In response to the growing concerns, Uttar Pradesh minister Ravindra Jaiswal and Varanasi District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar convened a meeting to review the LPG supply situation in the city. Following the discussions, District Magistrate Kumar asserted that there is no actual shortage of LPG in Varanasi. He noted that the temple management did not raise the issue during a meeting held on Friday, suggesting a possible communication gap.
Kumar assured that LPG cylinders would be provided to the temple promptly and issued a stern warning against those spreading rumors about shortages. He emphasized that the administration is closely monitoring the situation to prevent misinformation from causing panic among residents.
Panic Buying and Black Marketing Exacerbate Issues
Minister Jaiswal attributed the temporary supply disruptions to panic buying, which has been triggered by rumors of an LPG scarcity. This has led many consumers to stockpile spare cylinders, creating artificial shortages in the market. To address this, authorities have intensified monitoring of LPG distribution across various districts and cautioned against hoarding and black marketing activities.
Jaiswal also highlighted alternative solutions, noting that around 1.55 lakh households in Varanasi have been connected to the city gas pipeline. Residents can obtain a pipeline gas connection within a week of applying, reducing reliance on cylinders. Additionally, two helpline numbers have been issued to assist consumers with their gas-related queries and issues.
Crackdown on Illegal Activities in Sultanpur District
Amid the broader concerns, a significant crackdown on black marketing was reported in Sultanpur district. On Saturday, officials seized 44 LPG cylinders during a raid on the premises of an LPG agency proprietor. The operation was conducted by a joint team from the supply department and police, acting on the directions of District Magistrate Kumar Harsh.
Supply Inspector Jitendra Singh detailed the recovery, which included:
- Six large filled cylinders
- Two small filled cylinders
- Thirty-six empty cylinders
Police have registered a case against Manish Kumar and Rajan Gautam in connection with the alleged illegal storage and sale of cylinders. Authorities reiterated that a statewide drive is underway to curb hoarding and black marketing, with strict action promised against violators.
Statewide Reassurances and Ongoing Monitoring
Officials have consistently reaffirmed that there is no shortage of LPG or other petroleum products in Uttar Pradesh. They urge the public to avoid panic buying and report any instances of hoarding or black marketing. The administration remains vigilant, with increased surveillance measures in place to ensure a smooth supply chain and prevent further disruptions to essential services like those at the Annapurna temple.
