According to housewife Lokmaya Tamang, coal was their only source of fire in the area. “We use firewood to cook rice as an alternative. But we are now accused of felling trees,” she said.

The refugees have complained of the solar cookers provided as an alternative source of energy being damaged.

Meanwhile, office bearers of the Hamsedumse Community Forest Users’ Group are worried over the mass deforestation the hundreds of refugees have committed while collecting firewood as an alternative source.

Chairman of the forest users’ group Himalaya Dahal said, “Even though we are aware of the coal shortage in the area, we should be finding other means of fire since felling trees have led to mass deforestation.”

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) had recently contracted Omani Business Private Limited to supply coal to the refugees for Rs 24.3 million. When contacting the company, an employee claimed that the supply was delayed by technical difficulties, assuring of smooth supply within three days.

Denouncing accusation of negligence in supply, Eastern Regional Chief of LWF Yadulal Shrestha said Omani had pledged to regularly supply coal till June 19.

“The company, however, is yet to make the supply despite repeated calls. We will seek another alternative if the supply is not made within the extended deadline,” he said.