Rajkot to become ‘kerosene-free’ city soon; a mega Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana camp planned

Rajkot: The city of Rajkot is likely to be declared a kerosene free city soon. A major event is going to be held this month-end in direction to achieve this goal.

It is learnt that Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is going to distribute Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana LPG connections to as many as 10,736 beneficiaries in a mega camp on August 28 in Rajkot. Each poor family will be availed gas connection for free after which kerosene subsidy will be gradually ended permanently. The move will eliminate pollution caused by kerosene use. It will also stop huge corruption related to black market of subsidized fuel. It will also be healthy option for women who cook food.

Once the city is declared kerosene free, the supply of subsidized kerosene is stopped by the government to that city. Back in April last year, Chandigarh became the second kerosene-free city after Delhi. Kerosene is primarily used for cooking and lighting. Increased use of LPG and electrification of villages, have helped to bring down kerosene use from 11.3 million tonne in 2000-01 to 7 million tonne in 2014-15. LPG consumption has in the meantime increased from 7 million tonne to 18 million tonne. Besides reducing pollution and to mitigate its impact on health, the government also wants to avoid instances of illegal diversion of subsidised kerosene for adulterating diesel.

According to the 2011 census, 65% of urban households have access to either LPG or piped natural gas, only 11.4% of rural folks have access to these sources of energy. About 65% of rural households still depend on firewood for cooking.