The news article on restaurants turning to firewood amidst the LPG cylinder crisis highlights a concerning trend. While I understand the business community’s problems, this move will have severe long-term repercussions for our environment. India is already grappling with air, food and water pollution crises, and this shift will only worsen the climate crisis. The impact is evident in the rising number of lives lost due to pollution-related issues. The government’s preparedness for the LPG crisis is questionable, and it is unfortunate that international relations were not leveraged to mitigate the situation (particularly the Prime Minister’s visit to the country involved in the conflict). The reliance on imports for essential products also raises concerns about the effectiveness of initiatives like “Make in India”.
While it is understandable that the hotel business community is under pressure and they have to use alternatives to survive, the government should address the crisis by curbing other contributors to climate change, such as land conversions, tree felling and domestic burning. Prioritising sustainable solutions will ensure the health and well-being of citizens.
