Kaziranga introduces efficient cookstoves for forest guards

The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam is introducing improved cookstoves for its forest guards. These cookstoves aim to reduce the use of firewood by up to 50% and decrease smoke and emissions by as much as 80%. Located about 200 km east of Guwahati, Kaziranga has 233 anti-poaching camps, essential for protecting wildlife like the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Each camp houses 4-8 forest guards who work around the clock to prevent poaching. The current kitchens at these camps rely heavily on firewood, causing smoke and health issues. From March 16 to 21, park authorities distributed 47 improved cookstoves to 45 camps. Supported by the Wildlife Trust of India, these cookstoves are designed to improve the working conditions for the guards while preserving the environment. The stoves include two-pot models for most camps and larger models for bigger kitchens. Forest officials highlighted the challenges of remote locations and the difficulties in switching to LPG fuel. They noted that traditional stoves require lots of firewood, which is time-consuming to gather and can be harmful to health. The new cookstoves are expected to make life easier, especially for those stationed in hard-to-reach areas. Kaziranga is known for having a significant population of tigers and other wildlife, contributing to biodiversity in the region. As the project continues, a follow-up survey will assess the cookstoves' impact and inform future expansions of the initiative.