Objective
To train the rural, migrant and tribal population to make virtually zero-cost, efficient and improved cookstove that has reduced smoke output.
Why did we do it?
The government has its goal to provide LPG to each household. However, there are certain populations, like the migrants, who cannot avail these government schemes since they travel from place to place in search of livelihood. Also people living in remote villages find the supply of gas erratic. Both these populations therefore collect firewood from the forest to use as a source of fuel to cook, on a daily basis. Solid fuel soot that emits from burning of wood affects the health of both women and children of the household, pollutes the air and also destroys the forest cover.
What did we do?
Sparsh organised training sessions for women to make smokeless chulhas in their own kitchens using mud, clay, cow dung bricks and dry grass. Similarities in design with the traditional chulhas encouraged immediate adaptability. Based on the rocket stove technology the stove uses far less fuel, emits lesser fumes, improves efficiency and reduces cooking time.
Outcome
The women who participated in the training immediately reported lower consumption of wood and exposure to smoke. The concept had multiple impacts ranging from reduced cost, effort and time and also improved health.
Gujarat 
