Chullahs in Sangli

July 26, 2009 by Susan Taylor

I have been back and forth between Pune and Sangli quite a bit over the past two weeks. Last Thursday, I went to Sangli with several members of SA in Pune in order to promote the use of smokeless chullahs (stoves) in cooking. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), three billion people, or half of the world’s population, cook their meals indoors over biomass-fueled open fires. Not only is the majority of this heat wasted, 20% of it is converted into toxic substances like carbon monoxide, benzene, and formaldehyde. In India alone, 500,000 people die annually as a result of this indoor air pollution (IAP). Disproportionately, the majority of these victims are women and young children, as they spend the most time around the fires. These deaths are brought on by diseases resulting from IAP such as bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.

It’s for these reasons that Shelter is beginning to strongly promote the use of smokeless chullahs for families in slums throughout Sangli. The chullahs are incredibly durable, practical, and greatly reduce toxic emissions and fuel use – directly benefiting the health of women and children. During this trip, 20 chullahs were presented to women and their families in Abha Dhotre slum in Sangli. Prior to the distribution, I created large posters identifying (in Marathi) the health dangers of cooking over an open fire, and the corresponding health benefits of smokeless chullah use, with images of both. In this way, the presentation of the stoves was imbued with education for other families considering a purchase. The chullahs cost Rs 600 (app. $13), but we are developing a payment plan, wherein the chullah is paid for over a period of six months, in monthly installments of Rs 100. Each of the women who received a stove during this visit has already made their initial payment. I have found that it is critical to extend health and hygiene awareness beyond the issues of hand washing and food safety – the two areas I began with. It has become increasingly clear to me just how central a concern indoor air pollution has become, specifically within the slums of Sangli.

I’ve been having some trouble posting pictures from this event… will try to get them up soon!

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