Kolkata Educational Institutions Confront Severe LPG Cylinder Shortage
Hostels across Kolkata are facing an acute shortage of LPG cylinders, compelling several educational institutions to revert to traditional chulhas, serve simplified food, or temporarily shut down their kitchens. This crisis has disrupted meal services for thousands of students, highlighting a pressing supply chain issue in the region.
IIT-Kharagpur Sounds Alarm Over Impending Crisis
IIT-Kharagpur, which houses nearly 15,000 students across more than 20 halls of residence, requires 104 LPG cylinders daily to sustain its mess facilities. In a letter to the West Midnapore District Magistrate on Wednesday, the institute warned of a "crisis of disproportionate scale" if the supply is not restored urgently. With reserves depleting rapidly, the stock in various halls can now last only one to three days.
Director Suman Chakraborty confirmed that from Thursday, the institute has started using traditional wooden ovens, particularly for making rotis, to conserve fuel. West Midnapore DM Bijin Krishna assured that authorities are engaging with oil companies and dealers to resolve the situation promptly.
Jadavpur University and Presidency University Struggle with Limited Supplies
At Jadavpur University, the New Boys' Hostel received three cylinders on Thursday evening, allowing its kitchen to resume operations after a suspension. However, other hostels like New Block, Research Scholars Hostel, Old PG Hostel, and G C Sen Hostel have barely enough stock to last one or two days. JU Main Hostel superintendent Tapan Jana noted that the main blocks have a week's supply left, but concerns persist.
Presidency University's Hindu Hostel kept its kitchen closed from Tuesday to Thursday afternoon due to the lack of cylinders. Boarder Md Asik Rahaman reported that operations resumed on Thursday night after receiving three cylinders. Meanwhile, at the Presidency girls' hostel in Salt Lake, lunch has not been served for the last two to three days to ration cylinders, with fears that dinner might also be affected from Friday if supplies do not arrive.
Dean of students Arun Kumar Maiti stated that the university is exploring alternative options to keep the mess operational amidst the ongoing shortage.
Other Institutions Adapt with Simplified Menus and Coal-Fired Chulhas
St. Xavier's College has begun serving simple food to students, utilizing its current stock of 22 cylinders, including 20 domestic and two commercial ones. Principal Fr Dominic Savio emphasized the need for austerity measures during this period.
Scottish Church College has taken a more drastic step, with both boys' hostels starting to prepare coal-fired chulhas. Principal Madhumanjari Mandal mentioned that all three hostels have altered their menus to save fuel, reflecting a broader trend among affected institutions.
Lady Brabourne College and WBNUJS have also implemented menu curtailments, with the latter's hostels having LPG stock to last only three days, underscoring the widespread nature of the crisis.
Broader Implications and Response Efforts
The LPG shortage in Kolkata's educational hostels has forced a return to traditional cooking methods, impacting student nutrition and daily routines. Institutions are scrambling to find solutions, from engaging with local authorities to adopting fuel-saving practices. As the situation evolves, stakeholders are calling for immediate intervention to prevent further disruptions to academic life.
