RAJSHAHI, April 22, 2018 (BSS) – Experts at a seminar here today said
large-scale expansion of improved cooking stoves can reduce pressure on both
fossil and biomass fuels as well as check indoor air pollution.
They said the use of improved stoves should be promoted to save fuel, cut
carbon emission and give a healthy kitchen environment to women and children
who become the worst victims of indoor air pollution.
Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) and
Household Energy Platform Programme in Bangladesh jointly organised the
seminar titled ‘Sustainable Energy and Expansion of Improved Cooking Stoves’
at the conference hall of Deputy Commissioner’s office here today.
Speaking as the chief guest, SREDA chairman Helal Uddin said the
government has been working sincerely to save energy and protect environment
across the country to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said Bangladesh has already introduced improved cooking stove that
consumes 50 percent less of biomass used for cooking in rural areas.
“Improved cooking stoves are traditional ones which deliver higher efficiency
following some modification.”
Poorly ventilated clay stoves that produce smoke, carbon monoxide and
carcinogens pose a serious threat to human health, Helal said.
The seminar discussed the ways and means on how to create awareness about
the importance of improved cooking stove use.
The experts said around 89 percent of the country’s households use
biomass in traditional cooking stoves, which causes severe indoor air
pollution.
Chaired by deputy commissioner of Rajshahi SM Abdul Kader, the seminar
was addressed, among others, by SREDA members Siddique Zubayer and Shalima
Jahan and superintendent of police Md Shahidullah.