Solar heating system brings warmth and cheer to Himalayan mountain households
The Hindu
The indigenously designed ‘Solar Hamam’ is cost-effective, fabricated by local artisans, saves time, and conserves forests
Aimed at providing clean energy solutions to households in mountainous regions while conserving forests, mitigating carbon emission and freeing women from the drudgery of fuelwood collection, a locally designed and branded ‘Solar Hamam’ heating system is gaining popularity in the villages of Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Uttarakhand.
Households in the mountains depend on natural resources for fuel, fodder, nutrition, health, agriculture, employment and livelihood. According to the 2011 census, almost 85% of rural households in India are dependent on traditional biomass fuels. In the Himalayan region, at altitudes above 2,000 meters, winters are harsh and it’s cold throughout the year, compelling households to rely on wood fires as the source of energy for various activities for up to 16-17 hours in a day. More than 50% of wood collected is used in heating water and living spaces, making it one of the leading causes for the degradation of forests. Women and children toil hard to collect fuelwood.