North Karnataka Spiritual Centres Pioneer Sustainable Cooking Solutions
In the face of ongoing LPG scarcity, numerous spiritual centres across North Karnataka are demonstrating remarkable resilience by adopting alternative and sustainable fuel sources. Institutions such as the Siddharoodha Mutt and Iskcon Akshay Patra in Hubballi, along with the Gavisiddeshwar Mutt in Koppal and Annadaneshwar Mutt in Naregal, have successfully transitioned to using wood, solar energy, and gobar gas (biogas) for their large-scale cooking operations. These efforts not only ensure uninterrupted service to thousands of students, devotees, and the general public but also set a precedent for environmental stewardship.
Innovative Fuel Conversions at Iskcon Hubli-Dharwad
Ramgopal Dasa, the media coordinator for Iskcon Hubli-Dharwad, provided detailed insights into their sustainable practices. For the past 15 years, the organization has been converting firewood into steam for cooking and utilizing food waste to produce biogas specifically for tadka (oggarane). Dasa explained, "Previously, we relied on commercial LPG for only 2-3% of our cooking needs. Now, we have fully embraced sustainable fuels, including solar generation, to feed approximately 1.2 lakh students daily."
He further elaborated on their biogas production, stating, "We generate 72 cubic litres of biogas from our own wet waste, which is equivalent to three commercial LPG cylinders. Our two boilers, each with a two-tonne capacity, operate on steam and prepare 2,500 litres of sambar and 3,600 kg of rice for students across six taluks in Dharwad district." This systematic approach highlights their commitment to efficiency and sustainability.
Traditional Methods and Environmental Care at Siddharoodha Mutt
CA Channaveer Mungurwadi, chairman of the Shri Siddharoodha Swamiji Mutt Trust committee in Hubballi, emphasized the mutt's long-standing reliance on firewood. "We procure firewood directly from the forest department through tenders, with only 10% of our cooking—primarily for bhaji—dependent on commercial LPG cylinders. Rice, sambar, and sweets are cooked on earthen stoves," he stated.
In response to the cylinder scarcity, Mungurwadi noted that the mutt is preparing for increased crowds by storing additional firewood. He also highlighted their environmental initiatives: "We have implemented smokeless kitchens using boilers and repurpose ash as 'Angaara' for devotees. Consequently, there is no environmental pollution and absolutely no wastage of fuel." This holistic approach ensures both operational continuity and ecological responsibility.
Adaptability and Preparedness Across Other Mutts
Other spiritual centres in the region are similarly adapting to the LPG crisis. Shivanand Pattanshetti of the Jagadguru Tontadarya Mutt in Gadag-Dambal reported that while they typically use 12 commercial LPG cylinders per month, they maintain earthen stoves on standby. "As LPG supply becomes interrupted, we immediately switch to earthen stoves using firewood," he added, underscoring their flexibility.
Sources from the Sri Gavisiddeshwar Mutt in Koppal revealed that they require 10-12 tractors of firewood monthly to sustain their cooking operations. This substantial demand reflects the scale of their community services and their proactive shift away from LPG dependence.
Collectively, these spiritual centres in North Karnataka are not only mitigating the impact of LPG scarcity but also championing sustainable practices that could serve as a model for other institutions nationwide. Their innovative use of renewable resources ensures that essential services remain uninterrupted while promoting environmental conservation.
