Chennai: Recent claims by NDA government that over 3.7 crore new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections were issued in 2015-16 proves there is no dearth for schemes to improve the quality of life of the poor.
However, data from the ministry of statistics and programme implementation as of 2011 states that over 43.5 per cent of Tamil Nadu still relies on wood-based cooking.
Though environmentalists expect a decline from the 2011 statistics to over 10 per cent in the past five years, the number still accumulates due to multiple reasons. Talking to DC, associate director and senior fellow of The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri), Debajit Palit said Tamil Nadu, despite topping LPG use compared to northern states, should improve the phenomenon on its rural front.
Head of media resource centre, M. S. Swaminathan research Foundation, B. Jayashree said women lose their right of leisure by indulging in less efficient methods of cooking. “It is the lack of awareness that is driving many families to use wood-based cooking. Besides triggering respiratory problems, it affects the well being of a woman,” she added.
Explaining the rural scenario, M. Parameswari of development of women and children trust, Theni district, said irregularity in receiving the subsidy has prompted many families to reel in biomass stove usage. “Over 50 complaints have been received in the past two months regarding the non deposit of subsidy amount. Easy availability of firewood is another major reason,” she said.
She also said many households lack facility for LPG gas setup. The phenomenon also has an environmental impact as release of greenhouse gases results in global warming. “As firewood doesn’t burn completely, hazardous gases like carbon monoxide and black carbon are released. Black carbon is ten times dangerous than carbon dioxide and pollutes the environment drastically,” said Debajit Palit. “Ministry of women and child development should take steps to sensitise about health and environmental hazards of using firewood for cooking,” Debajit said.
