Smokeless stoves a boon for Terhathum folks

Himalayan News Service

TERHATHUM: In a bid to conserve forests, Deurali Society (DS) and Dalit Awareness Society (DAS) in collaboration with Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), Energy Sector Cooperation Programme and Namsaling Community Development Centre have launched a campaign for the use of improved smokeless stoves in this eastern district.

Over 2,000 smokeless stoves have been installed in different VDCs of the district in the last one year alone with an aim to protect forest and environment.

DAS built 932 smokeless stoves in 10 VDCs, while DS made 995 stoves.

Somnath Dhakal, a social mobiliser of Improved Stove programme and DS, said they have been launching the campaign in Tamfula, Sabla, Ambung, Morahang, Shreejung, Pauthak, Ayokjung Jaljale, Samdu, Simle and Ishibu VDCs.

According to Anubhuti Bom Nepali, the DAS chief, they are launching a campaign in Solma, Basantapur, Fulek, Okhre, Dangpa, Sudap, Panchakanya VDCs, among others, to install smokeless stoves.

Bimala Dhakal of Morahang VDC said the construction of the stove had relieved her from the firewood smoke.

“The installation of smokeless stove has been fruitful to me in many ways. It is easy to prepare food and it has been proved beneficial as my kids now do not cough whereas they used to earlier,” said an elated Dhakal. Gunaraj Khanal, alternative energy engineer of Namsaling Community Development Centre, Dharan, said the use of smokeless stove would not only help conserve the forest and environment but also keep people healthy.

According to Khanal, smokeless stove produces 60 per cent less carbon monoxides than firewood.