NARENDRA RAUT, OP
Koraput: At a time when the cooking gas crisis continues to disrupt daily life in Koraput, small business owners are being forced to rethink their survival strategies. At the bustling Gunthaguda Chowk, where roadside eateries serve as lifelines for locals and travellers alike, one hotel owner’s resilience has turned adversity into innovation. Gitanjali Patnaik, who runs a modest yet popular hotel at the chowk, has adopted alternative cooking methods to keep her kitchen running. With LPG cylinders becoming increasingly difficult to procure, she, like many others in the area, has resorted to traditional and improvised solutions. “Due to the scarcity of gas these days, we have started using wooden bundle chulhas for cooking.
Along with that, we are also using what is commonly known as a rocket chulha, or engine oil chulha,” she said. While the idea of an engine oil chulha may raise eyebrows, Patnaik assures that it has proven to be both efficient and economical. According to her, the cost of operating these alternatives is significantly lower as compared to conventional gas cylinders. “The production cost is much cheaper than gas. It helps us continue our business without incurring heavy expenses,” she said. The innovation has not only helped her sustain operations but has also provided relief to other hotel owners in the locality. Many have begun adopting similar methods, finding them practical in the face of ongoing shortages. What stands out, Patnaik noted, is that despite initial concerns, the engine oil chulha functions without emitting unpleasant smell or excessive smoke, maintaining hygiene standards essential for food preparation.
However, beneath this story of adaptability lies a deeper concern. The ongoing gas shortage has exposed the vulnerability of small-scale food businesses that rely heavily on timely supply of essential resources. For many, switching to alternatives is not a choice but a necessity. As Koraput grapples with this issue, voices like Patnaik’s highlight both the struggles and the spirit of local entrepreneurs. While these temporary solutions offer relief, many hope for a more stable and reliable system that ensures uninterrupted access to basic cooking fuel in the days ahead.
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