Despite the state government’s assurance of prioritising uninterrupted cooking gas supply for essential institutions, hostels of Berhampur University have reportedly switched to firewood due to the LPG crisis.

At least three open cooking set ups have come up on the campus to cater to 15 of the 17 hostels of the university which house a total of 1,487 boarders including 896 female students.

Sources said due to the shortage of LPG supply, the hostels are preparing food using firewood for the past over two weeks. Mess managers have been reportedly permitted by the university authorities to cook outside hostel buildings under temporary sheds.

When questioned about the shift to traditional cooking despite the government's assurance, university authorities avoided a direct response. Vice-chancellor Geetanjali Dash said with examinations approaching, the students shouldn't be disturbed due to the supply crisis. She added that temporary arrangements have been made to prevent disruption.

Hostel warden Ganeshwar Sethy said although firewood is being used, there has been no change in the lunch and dinner menu. He maintained that both the quantity and quality of food remain unchanged. He also claimed that food preparation in the open is being carried out under strict supervision. Neither the university authorities nor the boarders have publicly raised concerns over the issue, Sethy added.

Mess operations of the 15 hostels have been leased out to five individuals of whom three are managing the messes for female boarders. According to the leaseholders, they are responsible for arranging all resources required for cooking as per the agreement.

The mess managers said cooking with firewood is not only time-consuming but also more expensive. The cooking staff also reported increased workload, stating that preparing food with firewood takes more time and effort, including additional work in cleaning utensils.

Sources said some boarders have reportedly started eating outside, citing a decline in food standards. Mess managers, however, attributed the reduced turnout partly to ongoing holidays, with many students having returned home.

Meanwhile, the civil supplies officials have been informed about the situation. Mess managers said they have been assured that steps will be taken to restore LPG supply by next week.

This report was published from a syndicated wire feed. Apart from the headline, the EdexLive Desk has not edited the copy.