Out of gas, old age homes and orphanages in Coimbatore find firewood unaffordable

Coimbatore: Hit hard by cooking gas shortage, old age homes and orphanages in the district are increasingly using firewood to keep food supply to inmates intact. However, even firewood is turning unaffordable for them, with suppliers increasing the price daily in tandem with the growing demand.Representatives of old age homes and orphanages have now petitioned the district collector, highlighting their plight and requesting inclusion of registered homes in the priority list to ensure uninterrupted supply of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. The petition was submitted by Thannarva Thondu Niruvanangalin Sangam (TTNS), which represents more than 116 rehabilitation centers, old age and children's homes, including orphanages. D Govindaraju, president, TTNS, said, "More than 20,000 inmates are residing at around 256 homes across the district. Each home houses a minimum of 20 inmates to a maximum of 120 inmates, depending on the size. These homes are affected by the commercial cylinder supply and are now using firewood as an alternative." He said as the demand has increased, firewood suppliers have been demanding a higher price. "They are hiking prices with each passing day. These homes are not in a financial position to afford even firewood now." Sam, who runs Savalayam Home at Thondamuthur, said they were out of LPG stock and had only been using firewood. "The home houses 64 inmates, including 10 children. Using firewood is not preferred as per the govt rules because of emissions. But we have no other option now. Firewood usage in city limits is a big challenge, as people in the neighbourhood would immediately raise a complaint if there is smoke. Also, outside food is strictly not permitted in any homes as per the rules."