Gadchiroli Talukas Receive 20,000 Smokeless Stoves to Combat Air Pollution The government, in collaboration with private partners, has completed the free distribution of 20,000 smokeless stoves across Gadchiroli's Dhanora and Etapalli talukas. This initiative is expected to save an estimated 41,000 tonnes of firewood annually, according to the district collector's office. The stoves, designed to burn firewood with near-complete combustion, significantly reduce indoor air pollution and lower fuel consumption. Officials noted that beneficiaries have reported a marked decrease in indoor smoke and improved air quality in their homes. A smokeless stove, or smokeless chulha, operates through a secondary combustion chamber that burns unburnt gases escaping the primary fire, converting them into heat rather than smoke. Engineered vents supply controlled oxygen to ensure cleaner burning and greater thermal efficiency. The collector's office stated that over 19,600 families have adopted the improved stoves, with around 95% reporting a substantial reduction in the time spent on cooking and collecting firewood. This shift has freed up time for education and self-employment, particularly benefiting women who previously spent hours daily gathering fuelwood. Before the initiative, many households relied heavily on forest resources for fuel, leading to deforestation and environmental degradation. The introduction of smokeless stoves has reduced firewood dependence, contributing to conservation efforts. The project is projected to prevent approximately 9,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions annually.#devendra_fadnavis #gadchiroli_talukas #district_collector_office #dhanora_taluka #etapalli_taluka
