Alternative Energy
To reduce the pressure on forests and the workload on women who
often travel long distances to fetch fuelwood, CHIRAG has made
consistent efforts to introduce appropriate technologies and energy efficient
systems. The organisation pioneered the use of biogas plants in hill areas of the state.
Over the years, over 1,200 small (1 and 2 cu.m.) biogas plants have been built
which each save upto 15 kg of fuelwood per day. The use of pressure cookers was
popularised and over 4,000 have been sold at cost. Over 1,300 smokeless stoves
have been constructed. These all have a direct impact on the health and quality
of life of women as they save on labour and reduce their exposure to smoke,
besides the obvious benefits to forested areas.
