LPG Shortage Sparks Revival of Traditional Chullahs in Punjab and Himachal Villages
A quiet transformation is sweeping across the rural landscapes of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh as a severe LPG crunch forces villagers to revive their traditional chullahs for daily cooking. With the government recently permitting the use of alternative fuels such as coal and firewood, many households are happily embracing their old hearths once again.
Contrast Between Urban Panic and Rural Adaptation
A recent visit to villages in Jalandhar and Kangra revealed a stark contrast: while urban dwellers scramble to book gas cylinders amid panic, rural women are calmly preparing meals on mud chullahs. Sarwan Singh, a resident of Lohian in Jalandhar, expressed confidence, stating, "We won't face much difficulty; it is the urban dwellers who will feel the pinch." He highlighted traditional dishes like makki di roti, kaali daal, and sarson da saag that are now being cooked with ease on these hearths.
Government Measures and Village Resilience
The shift comes after Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri announced that alternative fuels would be allowed, with rural areas facing a 45-day booking gap for new cylinders compared to 25 days in cities. This has accelerated adaptation in villages. In Jalandhar's Gatta Mundi Kasu village, Sukhjit Kaur has resumed making rotis on a chullah that had been unused for years. Similarly, Deepak Kumar from Nasirpur village uses a chullah for primary meals despite having an LPG cylinder at home.
Cultural and Practical Revival in Himachal Pradesh
In Kangra, mud-built fireplaces abandoned after the Ujjwala scheme provided subsidised LPG connections are now being revived. Sushma Devi, a daily-wage worker from Sudher village near Dharamsala, cooks main meals on the chullah and reserves her LPG cylinder for urgent needs like tea. Villagers like Rajni and Saroj from Nandpur village in Dehra subdivision are relishing the renewed experience, which is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the region.
Many have even refurbished their old fireplaces, rediscovering flavours lost in the era of instant foods. This revival not only addresses the immediate LPG shortage but also reconnects communities with their traditional practices, showcasing resilience in the face of resource constraints.
