Traditional stoves lit in orphanages

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The ongoing gas shortage in the city is now severely affecting destitutes and orphaned children. The administration’s assurance of providing priority gas supply to orphanages and hostels has proved ineffective, forcing many social institutions to resort to traditional wood-fired stoves. In some places, gas has completely run out, while in others it is on the verge of depletion, leaving caretakers worried about how to provide two meals a day to the children.

The situation at Bhagwan Baba Girls’ Orphanage is extremely critical. A total of 160 people, including 100 girls, 40 boys and staff, depend on daily meals here. Due to the large number, they require one gas cylinder every two days. However, their gas supply has now been exhausted, and despite repeated efforts, they have not been able to procure a new cylinder. As a result, they have been forced to cook on wood-fired stoves, said director Kavita Wagh.

Cutting down to save gas

At Vasantrao Naik Children’s Home, one cylinder is usually required every 15 days. Currently, they have only a few days’ supply left. Considering the shortage, some food items are now being prepared on wood-fired stoves to conserve gas, informed superintendent Meenakshi Askar.

A similar situation prevails at Shri Swami Samarth Children’s Home, where 25 children reside. They have already started cooking on traditional stoves as an alternative arrangement. At Venkatesh Children’s Home, which houses 20 children, the gas supply is expected to last only two more days, and no alternative arrangement has been made yet.

What after 15 days?

At Babasai Orphanage for children affected by HIV/AIDS, 17 children are currently residing. They have gas stock sufficient for only the next 15 days. Given the condition, special care is required for the children’s diet and hygiene. However, if gas is not made available after this period, it will create a serious problem, said director Nitin Wakurde.

Quote

“We have issued an official letter to supply officers to ensure timely gas supply to all orphanages and social institutions. We are making every effort to ensure that no one faces difficulties.”

— Mahendra Darade, district women and child development officer