India, April 20 -- Rural households in forest regions of Madhya Pradesh continue to rely on firewood and dung despite widespread LPG coverage

Rising fuel costs and irregular incomes make clean cooking fuels unaffordable for many families

Government schemes have expanded access, but sustained usage remains limited on the ground

Energy spending is rising faster than food expenditure, placing added strain on rural budgets

Affordability, reliability and local economics shape energy choices as much as policy

After visiting Chirai Dongri, the next morning (February 10, 2026), the road into the forested stretches of Mandla district opened into a landscape where sal trees, red soil and scattered hamlets set the rhythm of daily life. The aim ...