Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The gas shortage in the city over the past month had severely affected many hotels, eateries, and especially temple Prasadalayas. These kitchens, which had shut down due to lack of gas, are now buzzing again after temple managements adopted an eco-friendly alternative, ‘bio-pellets’ made from agricultural waste.
The Prasadalay at Shri Varad Ganesh Temple, which had remained closed, was restarted on the auspicious occasion of Chaturthi. Similarly, the Prasadalay at Gajanan Maharaj Temple Trust has also begun using this bio-based fuel.
Due to the gas shortage, many temples had to rely on traditional stoves and coal-fired chulhas during recent festivals like Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti. However, to overcome issues of smoke and time consumption, several managements have now turned to safer and more modern alternatives. Major places including Shri Varad Ganesh Temple, Gajanan Maharaj Temple, and Shri Datt Temple in Devgad are now using bio-pellets instead of gas for cooking.
What are bio-pellets?
Bio-pellets are made by processing agricultural residues such as crop waste, leftover biomass, and dry leaves. They are a highly efficient, smokeless, and eco-friendly fuel, proving to be an effective alternative during gas shortages.
Current situation
Cooking at the Gajanan Maharaj Temple Prasadalay is currently being done entirely on bio-pellets. Initially, only simple dishes like khichadi and kadhi were prepared using this fuel. However, over the past few days, chapatis have also started being made, said Prasadalay manager Pravin Wakte.
At Shri Varad Ganesh Temple, the regular menu of bhaji-poli and varan-bhaat continues, informed president Sunil Khoche. At Guru Tegh Bahadur Langar Sahib in Sindhi Colony, two gas cylinders have been provided by the district supply office, ensuring that the free langar service continues smoothly, said joint secretary Hardev Singh Muchhal.
“The demand for bio-pellets has increased nearly threefold over the past month due to the gas shortage. This has boosted local employment and manpower. Farmers are also benefiting financially, as agricultural residue is being purchased from them. Currently, we are supplying to hotels, mess facilities, Prasadalays and even some industrial sectors,” said a bio-pellet producer,Rakesh Kulkarni.