The government has urged concerned ministries to work on alternatives and measures to ensure effective consumption of the traditional sources of energy, including fuel wood from forests, to mitigate the ongoing fuel crisis in the country.

Considering the chances of increased pressure on forests for fuel and firewood for cooking purpose due to ongoing scarcity of cooking gas, Chief Secretary Somlal Subedi asked the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) to stay cautious and ensure effective monitoring and management of forest products during this period.

The meeting chaired by Subedi on Thursday also decided the MoFSC to facilitate the availability and management of fuel wood for cooking as people are facing scarcity of imported cooking gas and kerosene.  

The ongoing  protests of the Madesh-centric political parties against the newly promulgated constitution has resulted blockades along important Nepal-India border points, obstructing the transport of imported petroleum products and fossil fuel. The blockade since Sunday has resulted in fuel crisis in the country.

The meeting also asked the Ministry of Industry to take necessary steps to promote the use of alternative energy such as briquette for cooking purpose.

“There is a chance of increased pressure on forests during this period. We have informed our district authorities to take necessary steps to ensure effective management of forest resources,” said Resham Dangi, director general at Department of Forests.

As per the National Census 2011, over 70 percent of Nepal’s population still relies on traditional sources of energy, including firewood, fuel and biomass. In the recent years, the government has put efforts in promotion and development of alternative and clean energy technologies for cooking purpose such as solar energy, bio-gas and improved cooking stoves, among others.