By Our Reporter
Shillong: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, TTC Marak, has expressed serious concern over the growing dependence on charcoal for cooking needs of a large section of households in Meghalaya. Stating that alternatives to firewood, kerosene and charcoal – the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is in short supply due to the burgeoning population in the State, Marak said the unregulated use of charcoal has very serious environmental consequences.
“Earlier we tried to tackle the ferro-alloy industries in Byrnihat for using massive amounts of charcoal which led to the denudation of large tracts of forests. Now the ferro-alloy industries appear to have slowed down their production but we see an increase in the number of households using charcoal for cooking,” Marak observed.
The PCCF also observed that there are several households which are still dependent on kerosene which is distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS) but the long queue for this source of energy is discouraging for many who have no time to queue up.
Getting a replacement of LPG cylinder has always been a grave challenge for people in Meghalaya. Even in the state capital LPG is not readily available, the PCCF pointed out, stating, “Many households that can afford to buy cylinders in the black market, do so. Others just resort to the easiest and available alternative – charcoal to meet their energy needs. But at what cost?”
“On the occasion of World Environment Day, people should reflect on these environmental concerns,” Marak said.
“Some entrepreneurs have recently come up with innovative energy alternatives such as briquetting from coal/ sawdust etc. Anyone with an idea to create alternatives to the destructive methods of using charcoal as a cooking medium should feel free to make a presentation to the Forest and Environment Department at Sylvan House, Lower Lachumiere. We encourage innovation in this sector and will award such initiatives,” the PCCF informed.
