Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has imposed a ban on the use of coal and coal briquettes in urban areas as part of its heatwave management strategy, aiming to reduce pollution levels and curb rising temperatures.
The move, however, has triggered concern among roadside hotel owners and small food vendors, many of whom rely on coal as a primary cooking fuel.
Traders Raise Concerns
Business operators say the ban comes at a time when they are already grappling with an ongoing shortage of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). With limited access to cooking gas, vendors fear the restriction on coal could severely disrupt their daily operations.
Traders have warned that the dual challenge of restricted fuel options and erratic LPG supply may force some establishments to temporarily shut down if alternatives are not made available.
Balancing Environment and Livelihoods
Officials maintain that the decision is necessary to control urban pollution and mitigate the impact of extreme heat conditions, particularly during the peak summer months.
However, stakeholders have urged the government to ensure adequate and uninterrupted LPG supply or provide viable alternatives to small businesses to prevent economic hardship.
The situation highlights the challenge of balancing environmental priorities with livelihood concerns, especially for small-scale vendors dependent on affordable fuel sources.
-OdishaAge
