Kerala Schools Turn to Firewood for Midday Meals Amid LPG Shortage

As students in Kerala’s schools prepare for their board exams and summer holidays, a crisis is brewing behind the scenes. The state’s education system is facing an unexpected challenge due to a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies. This has left school cooks like Bindu KM, who works at SNDP Higher Secondary School in Aluva, a suburb of Kochi, worried about how to prepare midday meals for students.

The LPG shortage began on March 8 and shows no signs of abating. As a result, schools are being forced to find alternative ways to cook their meals. In a surprising move, some schools have started using firewood as a substitute for cooking gas. This is not only an unusual solution but also poses safety concerns.

The shortage has been caused by a combination of factors, including low LPG production and transportation issues. The situation is further complicated by the fact that many schools in Kerala rely heavily on midday meals to provide sustenance for their students. With exams approaching and summer holidays just around the corner, the authorities are under pressure to find a solution to this crisis.

In the meantime, school cooks like Bindu KM are having to think creatively about how to feed the students. While using firewood might seem like an unconventional solution, it is one that is being explored as the shortage continues to disrupt normal operations in Kerala’s schools.