Chulhas

A chulha, also known as an earthen stove or cooking hearth, is a traditional cooking device widely used in rural parts of South Asia, including India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, as well as in parts of Africa. It is typically constructed from clay, mud, or bricks and is designed to burn solid fuels like wood, dung cakes, or agricultural waste. The chulha is characterized by its simple construction, often consisting of one or more openings for fuel and an opening for cooking vessels.

Historically, chulhas have been the primary cooking appliance for a vast majority of households in these regions. Their ubiquity is attributed to the availability of local materials for construction and the affordability of fuel. However, traditional chulhas are known for their inefficiency and the significant amount of smoke they produce. This smoke, laden with particulate matter and harmful gases, contributes to severe indoor air pollution, leading to various respiratory illnesses, particularly among women and children who spend the most time near the stove.

In response to these health and environmental concerns, efforts have been made to develop and promote improved chulhas. These improved designs aim to increase combustion efficiency, reduce smoke emission, and minimize fuel consumption. Features of improved chulhas can include better insulation, optimized airflow, and chimneys to vent smoke outside. While modern cooking technologies like LPG stoves are becoming more prevalent in urban and even some rural areas, the chulha remains a vital cooking method for many due to economic and accessibility reasons. Awareness campaigns and government initiatives continue to encourage the adoption of cleaner cooking solutions.