BETTIAH, March 15 -- The glow of wood-fire and embers in desi choolhas (hearth) and angeethis (braziers) is back to light up houses and businesses, particularly in villages and small towns as the LPG crisis has entered the kitchens of common people, restaurants and roadside dhabas.

A trip to backwaters and roads of Valmikinagar in West Champaran district shows that while tourism in the area remains unaffected, eateries, food joints, and hotel kitchens have turned to traditional wood-fired hearths to cater to culinary demands of their guests and customers.

Located about 330 km northwest of the state capital Patna, tourist footfall at Valmikinagar-known for its scenic surroundings, abundant sightseeing sites like Baraz, temples, river con...