Days ahead of the Copenhagen climate talks, the government recently declared its intent to take yet another substantial climate change action, with the announcement of an improved biomass cooked stove initiative. Once completely rolled out the full-scale programme would target 135-140 million households nationwide that still depend on burning wood, twigs, leaves and agriculture residues for heating and cooking needs.
With biomass based raw inputs still forming 80% of the energy needs of residences in India, this, once rolled out, could become the biggest programme of its kind in the world.
The black carbon or soot from the chullahs causes local health problems. It also a greenhouse gas though of a far lesser concern internationally than carbon dioxide emissions.
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