Facing a severe shortage of cooking gas, the Suniti-bala Sadar Primary Girls’ School in Jalpaiguri has been forced to revert to traditional wood-fired stoves to prepare mid-day meals for its 900 students. School authorities stated that a single LPG cylinder lasts only about three days, and with irregular supplies, they have no other viable option to ensure the daily meals are prepared on time.

This crisis is reflective of a wider trend across West Bengal, where LPG scarcity has caused disruptions in various sectors, including public transport in areas like Basirhat. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has publicly criticized the central government regarding the recurring gas shortages. While the school continues to feed hundreds of students using wood stoves, this makeshift solution highlights the growing struggle against fuel insecurity and the subsequent environmental concerns regarding smoke and pollution.