Sapana Village Social Impact has distributed improved cooking stoves to families in the Musahar village of Ratnanagar-7, Malpur, Chitwan, in an effort to reduce deforestation caused by the community’s dependence on firewood from nearby forests. This initiative aims to encourage sustainable cooking practices and improve the quality of life for the Musahar families.
Initially, SVSI imported advanced cooking stoves from India to meet local needs. Now, in collaboration with Riksja Travel, has established a factory in Chitwan to manufacture these stoves locally. This move allows SVSI to distribute the stoves at minimal cost, ensuring affordability for families. By asking for a small payment, SVSI fosters a sense of ownership among recipients, who are more likely to care for the stoves when they invest in them. SVSI aims to reach as many families as possible in Chitwan and neighboring districts. Notably, the technicians involved in manufacturing these stoves are from the Musahar community itself. They have received comprehensive training and are now skilled in stove production, contributing to both community empowerment and environmental conservation.
